Need Playgroup for Socialization Help for Very Shy 10 Month Old....

J.,
I am glad you have received some offers to meet with other moms! I respond to you because I felt your worry and frustration, when reading your post.
As a parent of an 11 and 7yr old, I was reminded of what my mother seems to continually respond to me with, when I discuss my frustrations and worries. That is: "And your child is how many years old? You expect them to comply with or agree with what you say and want?" It seems like I often expect too much from my mature and smart first-born. and that a few months later, or years, I realize that I missed out on just being with him and allowing him to be himself.
A 10 month old is still an infant and your baby is trying to make sense of this world. I understand the need for your workout time, as well.
Have you considered the environment of the childcare area. All that big, space and other kid's and people's feelings and actions is a lot for a little mind to process. Maybe checking in with her after 10 minutes and then resuming your workout (classes may be more difficult to do this with) when she is recharged and more balanced??? This may let her see that she will be safe and you will be there for her. It may allow her to gradually let you be away longer?
If, in this stage, it is just too much for her to cope with; At least the weather here is pretty cooperative and walking, hiking, etc. are available for you both to do together.
Your thought of a play group will be wonderful for both of you, I hope you find great moms and kids to be with.
Enjoy parenting, A.

Have you thought about joining the local MOMs group? I think there is a chapter in Thornton. The MOMs club is an international organization with local chapters. It's nice you meet other moms in your area. Most of them usually have playgroups and other activities scheduled throughout the week. There is also a moms night out scheduled monthly that is very nice. I've meet some great friends this way and we take turns watching each others children when needed. It's really nice. I think the website is momsclub.org. At the very bottom there should be a link for local chapters.

Good luck . . . oh and most of the moms club do Helping Hands" dinners for when your next little one comes, very helpful!

Hi J....
You could try meetup.com There you can find specific groups in different areas. I have the same problem, only that I have a 12 year old and 8 year old, so they don't want to "join" in on the baby stuff.

Anyway, good luck
J.

Call your local rec centers that offer gymnastics/swimming for kids her age, in a group setting.
Then check into MOMS Club or MOPS look them up on the internet for your area. They are a great resource with playgroups, finding other moms in your area with kids the same age group.
Continuing to leave her and come back over and over will help ease her fears. It is about comfort level and they go through seperation anxiety anyway.
DO NOT blame yourself, it is totally about the child's personality. Promise.

I have been home with my kids since day one, rarely if ever leaving them (for financial and other reasons). We got out too to the mall and around other kids but it is all about the child and their personality.

My daughter at 18 mos started into toddler classes at the rec center but she had a much more independent and relaxed personality as far as clinging to me. She would glance my way and make sure I was watching but was really laid back about it. Anyone could pick her up and cuddle her if she knew them. . At 3 years, she went one day a week she to a MOMS day out program for three hours, not one problem, then preschool she went three days a week, even Kindergarten, always a hug and kiss and went off with no problems. Now she is a very secure independent 7 year old headed to third grade. She has her moments that she really kind of just needs me or gets nervous about new situations. Overall though she is the one that I just didn't have a lot of seperation anxiety with ever.

My son on the other hand HUGE difference!!! I was the only one that could calm him down, if I left the room he freaked, when I did leave him with a sitter it took a while and he did calm down but not for a long while. He is the one when my ex husband visits he doesn't want to go with him without me.
Just personalities, I raised them the same, have always been here and some kids are more independent an secure then others. He is four and now in Pre K and does well, but it took me until this year to get him to just kiss and hug and go into his class without issue.

My little girl is only 6 months but that age difference shouldn't mean much for long. She's crawling etc. I'd love to get our little ones together. We're near 104th and Sheridan in Legacy Ridge. Maybe we could get a play group together! Also, I belong to a MOMS group in Westminster that's really fun and they have play dates you could go to. Email me if you are interested in either. I'm sure we can help her feel more comfortable...I've got bubble machines too.

:)
J.
____@____.com

Hi J. check out www.MOMSClub.org

Hello J.!

Sounds like your little girl is having a hard time...She loves her mommy. And with different kids each reacts in a different way.

I would love to meet up with you. I have 5 kids so she would have lots of association, we could start our own little play group.;0). I live east of Brighton and am very close. Also I have been wanting to take my 3 girls to Gymboree Play & Music in Thornton. Sarah is the owner & she has great gals there! So we could even set up a playdate there.

Also Congrats on baby-to-be! My sister is due in July and she has a 18 mo. old so maybe we could include her too! Let's talk soon. G.