DMC Playgroups
Coordinator: Cathy Ward
Phone: 765-0798
Email: playgroups (at) durham-mothers-club.org
DMC Playgroups are one of the most popular member benefits offered by the Durham Mothers Club! Meet other moms, get out of the house, swap parenting advice, and help your little one meet new friends. Many playgroup families trade babysitting. Plus: you get the inside scoop on everything from pediatricians to sushi.
How to Join a Playgroup
Since playgroups are for Durham Mothers Club members only, the first step is to join DMC. When you fill out the Membership Form, be sure to complete the Playgroups section. The Playgroup Coordinator will contact you once your membership has been processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a playgroup?
DMC playgroups are small groups of moms and kids who get together weekly. You might assume "playgroups" are focused on play, but in practice, playgroups are just as much for moms as for tots. As you marvel at your child's development, you may be surprised to find how you're developing as a mom as well!
When and where do playgroups meet?
Playgroups generally meet weekly for a couple of hours, at one anothers' homes. Many playgroups also arrange meetings at parks, museums, pools or other points of local interest. Each playgroup arranges its own calendar.
Does my child have to be a certain age?
Our youngest playgroups have babies that are four to six months old. We don't have many requests to place younger babies.
Our oldest playgroups have kids that are four to five years old. It's hard to maintain playgroups for these older kids because of conflicting preschool and kindergarten schedules.
How are playgroups organized?
DMC Playgroups usually consist of about six moms and their children. Each playgroup has a contact mom who arranges the group's calendar and keeps in touch with the Playgroup Coordinator. Each playgroup decides when and where to meet, whether siblings may attend, and how to balance "free" vs. "structured" play.
Is there a playgroup near my home?
We try to keep playgroup members within close driving distance of one another. Please tell us what's convenient for you.
What's the range of ages in a playgroup?
We do our best to arrange playgroups for babies and young toddlers within three months of each other, and older toddlers and preschoolers within six months of each other. Each playgroup has its own policy on whether older/younger siblings can attend.
I have two kids. How does that work?
As families grow, playgroups can grow to include younger siblings. Members are welcome to join more than one playgroup. Many will join a morning playgroup for the baby, and an afternoon playgroup for the preschooler.
Can grandmothers or nannies join a playgroup?
While grandmothers or nannies are welcome to escort a child to their playgroup on occasion, the purpose of our playgroups is to support mothers while their children socialize.
Is there a playgroup...
...that meets evenings or weekends?
...for English-as-a-second-language families?
Evening and weekend playgroups are available, but there is limited demand. As always we will maintain appropriate age ranges and workable driving distances. If there are other special requests, we'll do our best to make it happen! We're keeping track of requests, so please ask.
How can I join a playgroup?
When you join the Durham Mothers Club, just fill out the Playgroups section on the Membership Form. (Current DMC members can use that form to request placement too.) The Playgroup Coordinator will contact you. Welcome!