| You've decided to start a playgroup but you don't | | | | interested parents, try advertising on an internet based |
| want to spend a lot of money. No problem. First, start | | | | mom website. You could also join local chapters of |
| planning your playgroup by deciding the location and | | | | organizations for parents. Talk to local shops that sell |
| frequency of get togethers, age-range of children and | | | | children items to place your flyers or business cards in |
| if you will need to charge membership dues. You will | | | | their store for people to take with them. Toy stores, |
| also need to consider what type of activities, games | | | | maternity shops and gift stores would be good places |
| and crafts the group will be doing. | | | | to start. |
| Once you've figured all this out, it's time to spread the | | | | Once your playgroup has started, taking turns with the |
| word about your playgroup. Invite everyone you know | | | | other parents to provide snacks will help with the cost. |
| with the proper age-range children. Sometimes your | | | | If you plan on doing crafts, you may need to charge a |
| local community newspaper will let you advertise for | | | | small fee for supplies. Search for crafts that are simple |
| free as well as church bulletins. Ask friends and family | | | | and try to buy in bulk when possible. Games would be |
| members to tell everyone they know about the | | | | great to do in the winter time since meeting at a park |
| playgroup. | | | | may be too cold. Have every parent bring a game of |
| If you don't mind investing a little money, design a flyer | | | | their choice for all the kids to play. You can also have it |
| on your computer and print out about 50 copies. Print | | | | set up where the group takes turns at each others |
| the flyers on bright colored paper and add fun clip art | | | | houses. Who ever is the hostess then would be |
| to make them really stand out. Place these flyers in | | | | responsible for the snacks, crafts and other activities. |
| doctors' offices, parks, libraries, bulletin boards or | | | | Let the hostess decide where the playgroup meets or |
| anywhere else parents with children will see them. You | | | | what the activities will include. This way if they have a |
| might also want to distribute the flyers in | | | | small house they can plan meeting somewhere bigger |
| neighborhoods. Be selective where you put the flyers | | | | or if they are on a very tight budget, they can still |
| in order to save money. Only place flyers at houses | | | | participate by planning inexpensive activities without |
| with toys in the yard or car seats in the vehicles. You | | | | being embarrassed. |
| could also print up some business cards with your | | | | Be sure to know exactly what you want to |
| playgroup's information to place on tables at kid-friendly | | | | accomplish with your playgroup and don't let money |
| restaurants and other places a flyer may not be | | | | stand in your way. The free or nearly free resources |
| appropriate. | | | | are endless if you are willing to do your research and |
| If after a few weeks you do not have enough | | | | put in a little work. |