Discussions

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some activities or groups to take my 9 month old to. I'd like her to interact with other kids more as she will be going to daycare soon. Can anyone suggest anywhere we could go or any play groups?

I have a 6 month old and am planning on going to the Elspeth Reid Centre which has parent/child groups for kids under 2. I believe it runs once a week for a few months and starts soon so it may work for you. Take a look at their website for more information. There is also a bootcamp with Stacey Dittmer which has mothers working out while babies hang out if that's of interest to you.

Hey! I am a nanny and look after a 17 month old.  
 
We tried the elspeith Reid centre however we were told after that session we couldn't attend again as I was not the child's parent and only the carer.  
 
Originally coming from England I am used to attending (as a child myself), mother & toddler groups, music groups, play sessions etc- it shocks me so much that there is nothing in Brandon to allow children to socialize and develop multiple skills which come from playing and interacting with children their own age!!  
 
There needs to be more groups/sessions were kids can just PLAY with others of the same age or similar!!  
 
Kim

Hi Kim,  
 
I forgot to mention, the child you care for can be 18 months by the time the class starts (since they are 17 months now they would be eligible to register).

"Nanny struggles..  
Posted by Kimberleya4, 12/29/2015 6:37:52 PM  
Hey! I am a nanny and look after a 17 month old.  
 
We tried the elspeith Reid centre however we were told after that session we couldn't attend again as I was not the child's parent and only the carer."  
 
There is something seriously amiss with that policy!!! I'm so sorry you weren't "welcome" to attend! I would call and complain, this policy needs to be changed in my opinion. It's not like the ERC will become overrun with nannies, and even if they are, who benefits from it!!! THE CHILDREN!!  
 
 

Kimberleya4 said "Hey! I am a nanny and look after a 17 month old.     We tried the elspeith Reid centre however we were told after that session we couldn't attend again as I was not the child's parent and only the carer.     Originally coming from England I am used to attending (as a child myself), mother & toddler groups, music groups, play sessions etc- it shocks me so much that there is nothing in Brandon to allow children to socialize and develop multiple skills which come from playing and interacting with children their own age!!     There needs to be more groups/sessions were kids can just PLAY with others of the same age or similar!!     Kim "

I have kinda had the same issue as you. I had wanted to enrol my daycare children in activities at the library but due to their ages, I'd have to separate them into 2 groups and they were at different times so I couldn't do it. If I remember right, it was just 6 months difference for the young ones to be with the older ones but they wouldn't allow it. (Which I can understand...sorta)  
 
We go to playtime or the play place at mcd's and I try to encourage them to play with other children there. They're a pretty close knit group so they're usually fine with just each other lol. They do have fun with other kids though!! For others interested, there is a play area that is adjoined to the play structure that is good for young ones, including babies! If you have multiple ages, you can still supervise your older children from the baby area  
 
Today we're going to the pool which is a new thing for us! If it goes well, we'll add that to our list of field trips  
 
There are also a few community centres that do play groups. You can search for them on Facebook. Summer is nice as a few of the popular playgrounds always have others at it so you can socialize and encourage new friendships for the children!

I never thought to look into community centres, that's a great idea!

The issue isn't so much nanny's bringing one or 2 children's it's home day cares bringing several children or parents who just want to dump their child somewhere so they can have alone time. The idea of Friday morning play group is for parents to have a place to play with their children and meet other parents and children. I attended for a few years and yes while some days there are only a few people there most days it is quite full and crowded. The space isn't very big. If home day cares started showing up with multiple children it would be too full and parents would have to be turned away. The policy is you must attend with only your children. This also eases supervision for yourself. If they changed the policy to allow nannys then it would have to include home day cares too.

Just a small private group of moms who get together to let the kiddies play.

Popgoestheweasel said "The issue isn't so much nanny's bringing one or 2 children's it's home day cares bringing several children or parents who just want to dump their child somewhere so they can have alone time. The idea of Friday morning play group is for parents to have a place to play with their children and meet other parents and children. I attended for a few years and yes while some days there are only a few people there most days it is quite full and crowded. The space isn't very big. If home day cares started showing up with multiple children it would be too full and parents would have to be turned away. The policy is you must attend with only your children. This also eases supervision for yourself. If they changed the policy to allow nannys then it would have to include home day cares too. "

I haven't gotten to any play groups yet but to my knowledge, many home daycares go. There is one home dc provider that I know of that facilitates a play group actually. Maybe they have changed since you last went?

I'm talking specifically about elspeth Reids Friday morning drop in playgroup. I know other play groups that are able to accommodate home day cares but elspeth reid will only let you attend drop in play time with your own children. They just don't have the space.

Sorry, my misunderstanding!

I've heard people mention the elspeth reid centre. I'm assuming the play group is open to children of any age? Would a four year old be able to go?

Yes drop in play time is for all ages.

There's a music class for mom's and babies starting next week. The information is on the Plug Board- Singing with Me.

There's also a music class for toddlers running on Saturdays starting in January, the information is on the Plug Board- Tunes for Tots