Parent and Toddler Groups - yes or no?!

After an incident that occurred during a recent toddler group, I've been left wondering why I bother. I went today because everyone keeps telling me how great they are for the little ones, but I really don't want to bother anymore. Surely they can't be that intrinsic to a child's development, as I'm sure I wasn't taken to one (along with most people my age I'd guess!), and we're all mostly okay, aren't we?!

Also, of all the children in DS's nursery class, I probably recognise only four other children out of the twenty-odd that went, so sure that must mean that a lot of children and parents don't actually go!

So, what's your take on them? Are you an avid attender, just can't be bothered, just plain dislike them, or somewhere in between?

I went to a lot of groups and things when Ewan was really little and I think thats one of the reasons why he is such a sociable little thing now -could have absolutely nothing to do with it though. We live in a small village and there were no other children or adults my age anywhere near so I made a real effort to get out and see the real world. I wouldn't feel pressured to go to them if you don't enjoy it. I'm sure spending quality time just you and your children is just if not more important

we go to a group every day, as DD gets stir crazy in our house and also gets tired of her toys here. also it's great for me to have some company and see my dear friends. DD at 18 months gets much more out of the toddler groups - she got nothing out of them when she was newborn but then it was more about my own sanity lol!
why, what was the problem with your baby group? sometimes i think groups of mamas can be cliquey...

I use to but not anymore it's too difficult with DS & DD I can't find a group that caters for both. The only one I would go to is on a day that I now have to go to work. DS does go to rugby tots on a Saturday but other than that no I don't. I generally have found them to be more about the mums than the children so I always felt the odd one out as I was more interested in playing with DS than discussing what happened on TV last night (just my experience) we use to go out almost every day weather that be to the library, feeding the ducks, park, zoo (the annual pass was only about £60 which I thought was a bargin) ect ect we use to have a craft day so I don't think he missed out of activities bit I would have gone a bit gaga if we has just stayed home.

We try to go to our local 'stay and play' group once a week (used to go to another but its stopped until sept now )

I think it is good for children to socialize with others their age but also for mums to speak to other mums... sometimes i think i forget how to talk to adults as i'm with my kids so much of the time

daddy takes imogen to one on a tuesday which is where she met her best friend. she goes in creche on fridays but doesnt really like any of the other kids

we dont go to the main toddler group because all the other mums know each other and therefore the kids do too and imogen gets left out.

we also go o other peoples houses during the week and on days out as a family.

tbh, even if you dont go to toddler groups they learn to socialise at school anyway. i never went to toddler groups as a child and didnt attend a nursery and im fine! havent turned into a hermit yet

I tried a couple locally, but it was all mums who knew each other and nobody talked to me. I did try, but got nowhere. In the end I found it more bother than it was worth, and haven't regretted not going.

I went to a couple of more organised groups for a bit, like a slingmeet and baby signing, and found those excellent for chatting mums and things to do with the little people. I have my eye on Baby Sensory this time too as a friend has recommended a local group.

Tbh I found the toddler group scenario quite soul destroying and won't be trying it this time round!

I think it depends on where you live. I go to a group each week and have made some lovely friends there who Max likes seeing as much as their kids! If we see a new face we will make an effort to talk to them as it's not nice to not know anyone but I do live in a very friendly village where we all try to get to know one another.

We go to a group for 0-5 on Friday mornings in term time, in holidays we usually meet at the local park if it's dry, there are a lot of regular 'members', for want of a better word, but we make an effort to know the new people.

I don't go to any others due to them not catering for both ages. Sometimes we go to hop and bop on a Thursday but I prefer soft play .

Apparently in the next town the sure start is open everyday for stay and play 0-5yrs all day! So you can just call in whenever. Think I will try that one day x