Don't you just hate it when someone pushes the guilt button!

Snookie · #1 (**permalink**) 31-10-08, 09:34

My SIL, who doesn't have children yet

, yesterday was asking me if I take Ava to any groups to socialise with other children. I don't. I would happily do that, but I haven't a scooby how to find any and I can't afford to pay for any classes. Since she said that I have been feeling soooo guilty that I am not letting Ava play with other babies and learn to socialise. Any suggestions anyone?? When and what did you take your babies to?

dara07 · #2 (**permalink**) 31-10-08, 10:24

Playground?? (although it's getting a bit cold!!)
Library????
Any mother and baby groups in your area????
D x

isabellasmum · #3 (**permalink**) 31-10-08, 10:36

Look on Netmums if you want to go to groups in your area.

If you don't then don't do it because she thinks you should.

Snookie · #4 (**permalink**) 31-10-08, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by isabellasmum

Look on Netmums if you want to go to groups in your area.

If you don't then don't do it because she thinks you should.

That is a great site, thank you Abbie

, I have just registered and found that there are two mother and baby groups just 5 minutes walk from my house. I could have been going these last 10 months

i will explore that site more now....

bevvsedge · #5 (**permalink**) 31-10-08, 12:20

I wouldn't worry too much. Ollie only really socialises at the playgrounds and parks and he is great with other kids eben though we only really get a chance to go at the weekend sometimes. He will be starting creche 2 days a week on Monday though so he'll pick up some little pals then I'm sure!

Don't let it bother you. I'm sure your sil meant well but it is easy to have opinions on bringing up children when you don't have any of you own x x x x

Debbiemeep · #6 (**permalink**) 31-10-08, 14:57

Also worth checking if there is a SureStart in your area, as the groups they run are free!

CarlaK · #7 (**permalink**) 31-10-08, 15:40

If you look in the developmental books, it says that they don't really learn to 'socialise' until they are around two, so I wouldn't worry!

I don't go to any groups and I don't think it makes any difference at this young age. We go out and she has a varied day, so I don't think it matters really. We have enough guilt issus as mummies anyway, so ignore your SIL

Snookie · #8 (**permalink**) 31-10-08, 16:25

Thanks everyone.... I feel reassured knowing that some of your LOs don't go to a "socialising class" either

I'll ignore my stupid SIL

Think I will go to the corner shop and make friends with a galaxy caramel now heeheehee

KristySmitten · #9 (**permalink**) 31-10-08, 17:07

Like others said I wouldn't worry too much as she is still quite young. Our village has loads of toddler groups and meet up things going on and are all either free or a small charge. And its not just about the babies, its great for mummies to meet up, have a coffee, ask questions and generally chat to other parents.

Continuing meeting up with parents and babies from post natal classes can be a good idea too but not sure if that was something you did.

Don't feel too guilty though, there will be plenty of socializing done once she gets a bit older. Don't let SIL make you feel bad. x

Snookie · #10 (**permalink**) 31-10-08, 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by KristySmitten

Continuing meeting up with parents and babies from post natal classes can be a good idea too but not sure if that was something you did.

I did but I have PND and stopped going to meet them in about June time so now I feel too embarrassed to start meeting up again with them. They meet up once a month