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Parent-Child Playgroup

Playgroups' Benefits

With individuals getting less and less face-to-face interaction with other people¹ along with the trend of nuclear families living away from their extended families², parents do not have as many opportunities to bounce parenting issues and ideas off of others. 

The Parent-Child Playgroup through the McKean County Family Centers allows a place for parents to get connected with other parents. Through time spent together, parents can talk about issues they are facing with their children. Other parents who have dealt with the same issue can share from their experience what works as well as what did not work.

The children also benefit from the group. The time permits them to interact with peers, helping to develop social skills; which could include sharing with others, following rules and sticking to a routine. Developing language skills through pretend play is another benefit for children who attend.

Playgroup Is A Safe Place

"Bug Day" at Parent-Child Playgroup.

Playgroup also acts as a gateway for families to get involved. Parents not associated with a Family Center can bring their children with the intent of interacting with others, but also learn about other programs the Centers offer from parents or staff. Through this exchange, parents have signed up for Parents As Teachers among other programs.

The Parent-Child Playgroup occurs once a week at each Center. During the hour and a half, parents and children interact together through activities that include games, reading, crafts and snacks.

¹ Robert D. Putnam, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (New York: Simon and Schuster, 2000).
² United Nations, “General Introduction to Major Trends”; available from http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/family/Publications/mtintro.pdf; Internet; accessed 18 July 2008.