I've chosen to be a SAHM for awhile with my first child. He just turned one year last month. I'd like to start socializing him with more children. I bring him to parks with playgrounds where other children are. He mostly stares but eventually gets used to having others around and starts to play. I know one year olds probably don't have too much interactions with one another, I just want him to be aware of other people. So I would love some ideas of how to socialize him. Thanks!
L. - I am editing my response, since I had thought my questions and answers were restricted to the Chicago area (sorry - am new to this). I would recommend finding a music class that has 10 or less babies with their parent. Sit in on a class to see if you like it, before signing up for the whole session. Have fun!
i took my little guy to a Mother's Morning Out program to get him used to playing with other kids. he LOVES it and it gets him used to accepting authority from someone other than mommy or daddy and gives him some structure. It's just TTH mornings 9-12.
Get into a church program and mothers day out. It is good for both of you!! Good luck and God Bless.
I wouldn't worry too much about socializing him at this age. It is probably more important for you to socialize :) Join moms groups or take advantage of mother's day out programs to give yourself some time and to let him adapt to being without you on occasion. After about age 2 he will start to play with others and playtime will become even more important.
At this age they parallel play and don't interact that much.
If you are in the Memphis area I know there are some churches that have play time at their gyms. MOPS groups are good as well. Library reading time for preschoolers is available in the area as well.
Try to find other mothers with children that are a little older to play with him. Then as he learns to do that then have children that are closer to his age. When I worked at a daycare center we would have one adult sit with 1-2 of the children while another adult would do the same across from each other. We would roll a ball between us or a car. After doing this a few times they would start to do it themselves. I would also look into a Mother's Day Out program. They are mainly at churches for a few hours on set days of the week. The cost is usually not to expensive.
Hi L., you can join a group like triangle mommies - they have many discussion forums and scheduled playgroups for all of the areas in the Triangle area. If you are in a different area ... there may be another group near you. Also, try going to the library story time. It is a great way to meet other moms with babies your age.
Congratulations on your son becoming one!
D..
Look for a group called "MOPS," Mothers of pre-schoolers.
Their is a group by another name in our neighborhood, but
I can't remember its name.
Maybe a call to your Chamber of Commerce.
G. Wells
Just taking him places where there are kids and letting him interact when he will. You are right one year olds don't really "play" with other kids yet. Have you tried story times at the library that is a good place for him to be around other kids especially since it's going to be getting cold soon. Not sure where you are but the mall play areas are usually good for meeting other kids as well. I just signed my 10 month old up for Gymboree classes. They are not cheap but he loves being around the other kids and the activities there. Maybe a music class or something if you can find a good one.
