Playgroups

*What are 'Playgroups'?

Playgroups provide children with early socialization skills and a chance for some big muscle activities and fresh air. Playgroups provide parents with the opportunity to combat the isolation that so many of us feel when alone with our children. We get to see other children and parents in action; determine how realistic our expectations for our children are; vent about our problems and receive assistance and commiseration for our struggles.

Playgroups are a place where we can learn from each other both through discussion and watching how the other parent handles a situation. It is a place where a younger child has a chance to see how the older child rides a bike or pumps their legs to swing. A place where the older child with a sibling on the way learns who to be gentle and play with a toddler.

Playgroups are a way for us to gather and enjoy what we each have to offer in friendship and knowledge while we play with and love our own children as they go on their individual journey. Mothers' Support Network has FOUR playgroups; Folsom Area Playgroup, Central Sacramento Playgroup, Tahoe Park Playgroup and South Area Playgroup.

Central Sacramento Playgroup
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon
William Land Park Playground (13th Ave. and W. Land Park Drive) -Directions to the park-
Facilitator: Lisa Ham, lisa@spaceechoes.com, (916) 359-0633
Everyone is welcome for play, conversation and support. Land Park Playground is great for kids of all ages from crawlers to older kids, with play areas for each age group. You can find our group just outside the school near the wading pool. There should also be a sign. Be sure to bring swimsuits as the wading pool is open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. See you there!

Tahoe Park Playgroup
Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m.
Tahoe Park (3501 59th Street) -Directions to the park-
Facilitator: Shirley Jellison, shirleyjellison@sprintmail.com, (916) 359-0633
Everyone is welcome! Tahoe Park has a sand box, younger and older children's play sets, and lots of grassy areas. Bring sand toys, blankets, snacks, drinks and lunch, if you like. We place our blankets down in a sunny spot where we gather and often have a circle time with finger plays and singing. Children of all ages, including homeschoolers, and their parents/caregivers are welcome. Rain will cancel.

Evening Infant/Toddler Playgroup at Moonfaeries
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m.
Parent Resource Center (2460 Avalon Dr.) -Directions to the Center-
Perfect for little ones from crawling to about age 3. Open to mothers, fathers, grandparents, caregivers, etc. Ideal for those who can't make it to groups during the normal weekday and still great for anyone who wants evening social time with their baby. The plan is to provide social time for parents while incorporating educational play, music and stories. Group will be offered the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. For more information, contact Temperance Harkins, (916) 879-0571 or virtue0101@yahoo.com.

Playground Review: North Laguna Creek Park

By Alison French-Tubo

North Laguna Creek Park is near Elk Grove, but only about 15 minutes from downtown (assuming non-rush hour traffic). It's at the corner of Jacinto Avenue and Center Parkway, easily reached from the Consumnes River Blvd. exit or Sheldon Rd. exit. This park is great for toddlers and pre-schoolers. It has two appropriately scaled play structures, a small playhouse with seats, swings, rocking dinosaurs (the kind on a large metal coil), and something rarely seen these days: a see-saw. Actually, it's a modern-day childproofed version of a seesaw, with footpegs and backrests, and it more bounces gently than tips up and down, but it seats four at a time and is fun for all.

There is also a sand area with two large diggers to sit on, and a play area for pouring sand down a tunnel, etc. The park also includes a play area for older kids, a picnic table shelter and restrooms. Further away in the same park are a pond where ducks can be fed, a nature trail and sports fields. Many families with young kids come here to play, as well as senior citizens to meet and talk, high schoolers to have lunch with friends (one day we were treated to birthday cake by friends celebrating an 18th birthday), and more rarely, transients to rest. The overall atmosphere is family-friendly.

Pros:
* the equipment is the right size for young kids
* variety of equipment
* there is pretty much always another family there if you go mid-morning or early afternoon
* the field of vision for watching the kids is good
* the play area has a big setback from the street and is raised above it
* it's on a bus route so you can take public transportation to it
* kids are willing to share sand toys
* the park is well-used but not overcrowded

Cons:
* it is at an intersection so if your child likes to run away from you it could be scary
* the park isn't used just by families