I've wanted to join some sort of parent group for quite sometime now. Unfortunately, it has been difficult to find a group that is a good match for me.
Reasons why most moms groups not good matches for me:
1) Scheduling conflict: Most moms groups only meet during the week (and many moms groups have a minimum meetup requirement which would automatically exclude me as I work during the week). I have found many moms groups that I would gladly join, if only they had events on the weekend.
2) Many moms groups require a lot of time outside of the meetups where you have to make stuff, sew stuff, plant stuff, plan stuff, cook stuff, etc. I'm lucky if I have time brush my teeth in the morning. I can't imagine having to bake cupcakes and make party decorations on top of my already hectic life. In addition, I suck at that stuff.
3) While I have heard that many moms groups offer an excellent source of friendship and support, I have also heard tales of everything from excessive gossip and drama to competitive parenting and moms being thrown out of groups for not following the rules. I have never experienced a moms group first hand so I can't speak from experience, but I have heard these concerns for multiple people who have been involved in various different moms groups. I'm sure there are plenty of moms groups that do not have these issues, but finding one that also meets primarily on the weekend is nearly impossible.
So, I decided to start my own parent group. Note that I said "parent group" and not moms group. I don't like being excluded and I'm sure there are a lot of dads out there who often feel excluded as well. Also, if I am going to do meetups on the weekend, it makes a lot of sense to include dads. (And it gives me to opportunity to drag my dear husband along from time to time).
So what would I like in a meetup group:
1) A fun group that provides members with the opportunity to explore new kid friendly places.
2) A group that promotes friendship and social interaction at both the parent and kid level.
3) Zero commitment. Basically, I just set a time and place and whoever shows up, shows up. No need to RSVP. People can bail at the last minute. I want a group that is not stressful to be a part of. I don't want to burden anyone. Perhaps this means I am occasionally on my own somewhere - but I am always with my kids, so I am never ever really alone :-( It would be lovely to have just a little time alone to myself, but I digress...
4) No real structure. No play date directors, no coordinators, and no responsibility of any kind. This goes back to #1 - Zero commitment.
5) Obviously, no need to bake, make, or sew anything. If someone really wants to bake, make or sew anything, that is wonderful, but there is no requirement to do so and I sure as heck won't do it.
6) Open mindedness. There are many different types of parents and parenting strategies - working parents, stay at home parents, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, time out, positive redirection, cry it out, the list goes on and on. I'd like a group that is both diverse and accepting of all types of parents and parenting.
So, with all that in mind, I created my group. So far so good. We have had three meetups so far. Some of my old friends whom I used to hang out with "back in the day" are coming out to these events (they are now married with kids as well). Some I have not seen in years. I've had fun reconnecting with them. I've also made some new friends along the way. My kids had a blast playing with the kids who attended. I'm really excited about the future of this group. I have some great ideas for places to visit. I only wish that I had started this group sooner.
