How to Find Friends For Your Toddler or Young Child

Early childhood experts agree that there are numerous benefits of having friends and socializing at a young age. Friendships will add spice to your child's life. They can can help children learn new skills, increase their vocabulary, and provide them with lots of opportunities to learn to share and cooperate with others. And, they'll have more opportunities to play with new toys! It also offers a chance for moms to network and get support.

The first step to take is to decide if your youngster is ready or not to socialize with other children. If he/she has a weak immune system, consult with your pediatrician on the risks & benefits. If he/she has a tendency to hit, bite, or throw objects frequently, you might wait until he/she is a little older. If you do feel he/she is ready, here are some ideas on helping your young child socialize.

Join a Play-Group

There are many benefits to playgroups. Playgroups are essentially a group of moms and kids where they arrange for play dates to socialize at the park, homes, restaurants or other places. You might be able to find a group online through http://www.meetup.com , or http://www.playgroupusa.com . If you can't find one in your area, consider starting your own. Read "How to Start a Fun Playgroup " for more information.

Visit the Playground Frequently

One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to meet other kids is by going to the playground. Your taxes help build and support these areas - take advantage of them! Make conversations with other moms, and (if you feel comfortable) you might arrange for future play dates. To find the playgrounds in your area, try googling your town / city's name and "parks and recreation" or just "playground". Playgrounds are also a terrific way for children to get some exercise!

Join a MOPS Group

MOPS is an excellent organization that provides support and encouragement to moms. It usually meets in a local church (though you don't have to be religious to join), and includes fun activities and guest speakers. Usually childcare is provided in a "moppets" program. To find a group in your area, visit http://www.mops.org . Through MOPS you might make new friends, and perhaps your friends can become buddies with their children.

Go to Library Story Time

Nearly all libraries, even in remote rural areas, offer a story time for young children. This is a great way to meet other families. To help your child make new friends, suggest to the other moms that you all meet at a playground or other location after story time.

Go to Church

Church isn't just a great place to grow spiritually and worship God, its also a place to find support and build friendships - both for children and adults. Churches usually offer many opportunities - Sunday school and outside activities - for making new friends. Vacation Bible School is also a great program to get your child involved in. If you are nervous about visiting a church for the first time, call the church office. Hopefully someone will meet you at the door on your first visit and make you feel welcome.

Go to Community Events

You never know, your child could make a new friend at community events. Read the newspaper or look online for activities such as Easter Egg Hunts and Fall Festivals. Even if your child doesn't make a new friend, they're still great activities to participate in.

Find a Mommy 'n Me Class

Also known as Parent 'n Tot or Parent/Child Classes, Mommy 'n Me classes provide excellent opportunities for your child to find a new pal. Some to check out are Kindermusik , Music Together , Gymboree , and The Little Gym . You might also see if community centers or the YMCA in your area offers classes. Swimming pools might offer swimming classes for babies and up as well.

Search Online

Another excellent idea is to search online. You might check out websites such as http://www.myplaydate.com and http://www.raisingthem.com . Also, search on the CafeMom site for a local group and to connect with moms in your area.

Arrange for Playdates

When you have the time and energy, invite any kids and moms you might know to your home for a play date. If you are needing ideas on ways to entertain them, read "Creative Ways to Amuse and Entertain Your Toddler ." Another idea is to host a hoilday party, such as a Christmas cookie decorating party. You could also plan an Easter Egg Hunt. Keep play dates short- one to two hours is perfect.

Some other tips to keep in mind are: Always attend birthday parties, unless your child is sick or has something more important. Never gossip about kids other moms. Be respectable to other moms and remember they might have different parenting styles. Also, be patient, as it can take some time for your child to build friendships.

Happy Socializing!