By My Side neighborhood parenting group

It has been a great start to the year! We have welcomed quite a few new families. I, personally welcomed a new addition to my family. Xander Ian Gallagher arrived on New Year's Day! He is Grandchild #8 and we are so glad he is here (and coming to playgroup).

It's never too early to start!! Many folks think infants get nothing out of playgroup. How could they? They don't move around. They sleep alot (hopefully) and they can't sing or do crafts.

While this is all true, don't be fooled by thinking they are getting nothing out of it!

Babies LOVE to be around others. Even though they can't participate as the older ones do, they are absorbing so much! Just in language alone, the place is full of stimulation between conversations, songs and the sounds of the other babies and children playing.

We often place the really little ones on a mat on our rug next to each other and just watch the interaction!! They will turn toward the sound of another child and sometimes just look in awe.

So, let's not underestimate the power of playgroup in welcoming our newest citizens into the greater community!!