BABY AND TODDLER GROUPS
Basking in the benefits for grown-ups (too)
The Alliance’s Alison Heseltine shares the different ways your baby and toddler group can be a vital touchstone for parents and carers
Alison works as an early years development manager at the Alliance, supporting families and educators.
We all know how much babies and young children gain from attending a baby and toddler group, but, in many cases, the benefits are just as significant for the parents and carers – which means it’s key to consider their needs and wellbeing, too, when planning for your group.
For many families, the local toddler group provides a reason to leave the house and brings a sense of routine to the week. It’s a chance to connect with other families who are in a similar situation and share experiences together. It can be reassuring to know that you’re not the only one who’s struggling to sleep or dealing with a complete upheaval to your pre-baby lifestyle.
Isolation can be a serious issue for many new families. The opportunity to socialise and start to form friendships at a group that can last a lifetime is what builds bonds in communities and gives that sense of belonging. There’s a good chance that the families that meet at your toddler group will meet again at school or clubs later on as their children grow.
As the group leader, are you able help with introductions when new families first arrive, showing them where everything is, giving a brief overview of the session routines, and letting them know the group expectations?
“Not just giving people the support services that they need, but also building lifelong friendships and relationships – that’s really important.”
Your group should be a safe and secure place for families, where they know what to expect each week and that they will be accepted without judgement. This means that as group leader you will need to monitor and guide families helping them to understand the needs of others, role modelling and making it clear that everyone is welcome. Your group can become a vital part of a family’s support network overcoming stigma, promoting kindness and challenging misconceptions.
“We have a number of families struggling with their child(ren) that need extra support, for whom the group is a place of unconditional acceptance. We walk that journey with the parents; they know that we’re there for them appreciating and valuing what they’re doing.”
Your group is also a place of learning, a chance for families to build their parenting skills and discover more about child development. Through your expertise, they can learn new ways to connect with their little one and try out ideas at home. It might be some new songs to sing, sensory play activities or different healthy snack ideas – your role as a trusted source of guidance and support offers you a unique opportunity to be there for families during these exciting, but sometimes overwhelming, early years.
“Families deserve a chance regardless of where they’re from, who they are and what their backgrounds are – they deserve a good start in life and, in my role, I can support children, and I can support parents to be the best they can be.”
Finally, your group is also a valuable link in the bigger picture of support for families. It may be the first place that a parent/carer attends with their new baby and from those early days provides a continuation of support over many years. Your knowledge of local and national services and support organisations can ensure timely and relevant information is shared ensuring the best start in life for all children.