Granny goes to playgroup

I too go to a Toddler group. At first it was hell being so old! but they all accept me now & there is one other Granny. Sitting down & getting up quickly for 'Singing time' isn't that easy because I have had a knee op but bascially it is very socialising at least for my grand daughter & I am full of praise for the Methodist church who are kind & child loving, arranging all sorts of activities for young children. I had never been to a Methodist church before.

GD1 and I went to toddler groups, singing groups, Rhymetime groups, dancing groups, gymnastics and Nature Tots. It was wonderful and I can't wait to do it again with GD2 when DD's maternity leave ends. GD1 is now at pre-school and we did all of the initial visits together. Some of the young mums at the groups were very nervous of speaking to each other and it just came naturally to me to engage them in conversation which got them talking to each other and forging friendships.

I used to take 2 of my GC to a music time session every week and to my delight was included in end of term activities with the other mums. They often asked my advice on things and made me feel very welcome. It was lovely. Unfortunately the timing of these sessions don't suit my other GC visits now but quite honestly I'm that much older and it would be much more difficult to get up from the floor! - I can get down there but getting up...............

After 7 years of not working caring for my grandaughter who lives with me,I have decided at the ripe old age of 59 and holding ,of training as a registered childminder, for an income and being at home for GD so I will be back at playgroup,tumbletots and the school gates again,Eisha has been with me since she was 4,so am looking forward to doing it all over again...at least it keeps me young and I keep taking the glucosamine and cod liver oil

I used to take my gd to carer and todler group and now that she is at playgroup occasionally take a turn at 'helping out' when mum or dad cannot make it. I must admit that it was not something I was expecting to do when I retired but I have loved it, it has been an unexpected joy, and I have found the young mums very friendly and welcoming. Next year I will be back at the school gates delivering and collecting gd from pre-school

Well, nelliedeane, I'd say glucosamine and cod liver oil are essential if you are taking part in any pre-school activities.... if you ever want to get off the floor you need to be well oiled. I really admire you for training as a registered childminder ....it's an OFSTED minefield

I went to Atlanta in February to babysit my daughter´s two older children while she went into the clinic to have no.3. The six year old boy was at school but the two year old was too young for playgroup, and I soon realised how unfit and `out of it´ I had become. She is lightning fast and a great climber. At the adventure playground she was determined to follow her brother and all the other kids to the top. I don´t remember being so terrified when my kids were small, maybe because I could run and climb then! Luckily she is fixated on Shaun the Sheep DVD´s which gave me a chance to draw breath.

Dottyydobba I know what you mean by the playground being a bit of a concern. My 3 yr old GD loves the playground and when I visit I take her but I'm not a bit relaxed about it. Especially now that she has graduated to some of the larger equipment ie: the big slide. I was a playground worrier when my kids were young - could always see bashed heads etc. So imagine it with my GD - if any injury should occur on my watch would I be allowed to take her again. Of course I would but I'd be even less relaxed about it. Silly old woman. At one stage before nursery, my so n took my GD to about 3 different palygroups. He's a stay at home father and a wonderful one at that. Of course during visits I'd go and was always made very welcome by the mums. However, at one group one of the organisers dashed up to me on my first visit and said something to the effect that I'd better watch it as things have changed since my day. OK says I - message received. I love watching her play though - my GD nnot the silly organiser.

Didn't proof read hence palygroup instead of playgroup - though I quite like palygroup, adding as its St.Georges Day and my grandaughter's 3rd birthday