Want to join a playgroup?

Thirty years ago, playgroups weren't as popular as parents might have scoffed at the thought of sending a child for a few hours away from the home just to play.

What's more, interactive behaviour and a child's social development were probably not given as much priority as they are today.

Today, playgroups have evolved into a necessity for many parents. Not only is it the best place for parents to unwind, share tips on parenting and make new friends, it also gives children the opportunity to interact with other children and make new friends.
 

Dayang Lily Abang Muas who is the founder of ALIMkids says playgroups are important for toddlers between the ages of two and four because this is when when they become aware of the people around them.

“At this age, they become more sociable and like to make friends. Playing with other children of the same age allows them to learn social skills like sharing, waiting for their turn, empathy and teamwork,” she shares.

Dayang started the playgroup with friends in 2004. It was just a means to meet up to allow their toddlers to play together.

“My partner Hani Arziana Abdullah and I held the playgroup every two weeks and other mothers who wanted to join us could come and pay on the day itself,” she says, explaining that payment was for the food and materials that were used.

After a year, they decided to have a more structured type of playgroup. Working with preschool teachers and early childhood educators, Hani and Dayang soon developed lesson plans for their playgroup, which they later called, ALIMKids.

There are now close to 18 ALIMKids centres in Malaysia. However, ALIMkids is only open to Muslims as the programme comprises of whole language (thematic approach) and phonics (early literacy) using resources related to Islam.

So how does one find a playgroup?

The first thing is to look out for one that a child feels comfortable going to.

“We usually suggest parents come in for trial classes to see what the children do in the playgroup. Usually, it takes two to three classes before a child warms up and joins in the activities, so parents should give their children some time to adjust to the playgroup,” she says.

One should consider the size of the group. Some babies are disturbed by too much stimulation and may prefer smaller groups.

ALIMkids has between seven and 10 children in each of its two-hour sessions. Since this playgroup is a mother and child playgroup, usually the mothers assist in handling their children.

Mothers play an important role in playgroups as they know how best to handle their child when there are difficult situations.

Dayang says the best thing about her playgroup is that all children – regardless of how active or demanding they are – can join in the fun.

“So far we have not experienced any 'difficult' situation or child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)”.

“If they are overly-active children, we usually distract them with new games or try getting them to focus and participate in the activities,” Dayang adds.

Not only do the playgroups give parents a chance to spend time with their children in a safe and cheerful environment; it also allows parents to see for themselves the different interests and skills their children are developing.

“Playgroups also allow parents to share their concerns or experiences with other parents,” says Dayang.

What frequent questions do parents usually ask?

“Parents usually ask about the tangible benefits like what do the children learn, but playgroups are more focused on developing the child's social skills, so it is hard to give a tangible answer to them,” she says.

Apart from the child's social development, playgroups also offer parents support from other parents in the group.

Julia Smith, a Kuala Lumpur-born British who is married to a Malaysian, takes her two children aged two and five to a playgroup called Ibu in Sri Hartamas.

“The support you can get from talking with other motherss can be very valuable, whether you are discussing babies or more adult topics such as breastfeeding. This is especially valuable for women who worked full-time before their baby’s birth and are feeling isolated at home alone all day long,” she explains.

One note to busy parents, no domestic helpers are allowed in the playgroups as it is strictly for parents to get together and share quality time with their children.

Ibu was first established by the American Association of Malaysia for expatriates in the early 1990s but it now has many local and foreign members as well.

Ibu has taken over a house which bustles with all sorts of activities. The living area is flooded with all sorts of toys to keep children happily entertained. There's also a sandpit for children who prefer the outdoors.

“Children learn how to share and interact with other children. This also helps to prepare them for school later on,” says Julia, who has been bringing her children to the playgroup for the past four years.

“Those who live in any apartment will enjoy the outdoors here. It is also spacious, encouraging children to explore and find things to do” she says.

The playgroup is also very exciting for children because they find toys and costumes that they don't usually find at home.

The playgroup sessions are held three times a week and the annual fee is RM200. If a child joins in other activities, an extra fee is imposed.

Ibu also has storytelling sessions, crafts, singalongs and even outings.