By: Tina Toran

Free Play & Learn groups in Falmouth begin this week. Have you checked on the Coalition for Children’s website? Have you signed up for a registered group? Do you know when and where all the drop-ins are? If not, maybe you need a couple of reasons to participate. How about 10?

Ten Reasons to Join a Playgroup*

1. Variety makes life spicy. Wake up. Feed baby. Change diapers. Look at dirty house. Ignore house. Feed baby. Change diaper. Put baby down for a nap. Baby cries. Feed baby…. There is nothing more glorious than bringing your baby home, but after a week or two, the sameness of the routine may become stressful. Playgroups provide a reason to get dressed (although very few have dress codes) and add structure to your days.

2. Friends make the world go round. The size of your group is space dependant, but most groups usually consist of at least seven or eight parents. Before you even put your child down, you have a whole room full of potential mom and dad friends. No ice breakers are necessary, you all have at least one thing in common, and adult conversation is just a new friend away!

3. Avoid isolation. Ping ponging, after-baby hormones can be destructive, and isolation can exacerbate the baby blues or maternal depression. If getting out of the house is the last thing you want to do, then it’s the first thing you probably should do. Getting out and meeting others can be a great way to assess your own health and well being. It’s also a great place to say, “you know, I think I need a little help.” Your new friends can, and will, listen with empathy: this is your choir.

4. Find your little Twyla. Playgroups differ according to age group, developmental appropriateness, and focus. The Coalition for Children offers free Lap Babies Groups, Mixed Age Playgroups, Tots ‘n Tales, Movement and Creative Music, and Intergenerational Groups. While their content is different, all of the songs, finger plays, dances, books, and the crafts are designed to provide the children with a variety of stimulating experiences.

5. Slow down, you move too fast. Have you ever heard anyone say, “I wish I could remove some hours from my day?” No, probably not. Everyone is always trying to fit more in, do more, add more. Playgroups are a place to relax, make friends and bond with your children. When you are holding your baby and singing or reading a book with your toddlers, you’re giving your child(ren) the message that this time is important, and you are important.

6. Social emotional learning is a Pre-K activity. Children do not come out of the womb with shiny social skills; these empty little vessels need to be taught how to do everything. While the work begins at home, playgroups are a great place to introduce and/or practice skills like how to treat friends, share, follow directions, gain independence, take turns, and deal with difficult situations. Consider playgroups as another school readiness exercise.

7. But she bit her best friend! Most community run playgroups are led by experienced leaders with child development experience. Many have folders and fliers with information about everything from toilet training and developmental delays, to eating issues – and of course, biting. If you have questions, please ask. If the leader does not have an answer, they will look for resources and bring them to the next meeting.

8. You are a life saver. Since Air Station Cape Cod is right in the middle of our attachment area, I’ve spoken to recently relocated families who have no familial supports: they know no one. One woman from the base called our office and asked for a baby sitter. She needed to go to the doctor and had no one to ask. Not one person. With time and attendance, trust builds and parents begin to reach out to each other. Many develop childcare friendships, which in any economy, including this one, is a definite mothers little helper.

9. What does your village look like? If it takes a village to raise strong, socially adept, and confident children (and parents) the earlier you make the connections, the stronger the foundation will be. Playgroups are the fertile ground from which spring literacy habits, parent and child together bonding, and life long friendships. If you are an adult with children ages birth to school age, we have a group for you. If you’re a visitor to our area and you don’t have access where you are, you might consider starting a group of your own.

10. Finding local support. If you are new to the area, or you are new to parenting and you need information about local resources – what do you do? If you live in Falmouth, you call us, THE COALITION FOR CHILDREN. We are a parent support and education program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. We offer free workshops, free parenting classes, free childcare resource guides, and free playgroups! Groups will begin the week of September 15th, 2014. For more information call (508) 548 0151 x 172. You can also check our website: http://www.thecoalitionforchildren.org.

Tina Toran is the co-coordinator of The Coalition for Children.The Coalition for Children is a grant funded, education and support program for parents and early childhood educators with children from birth to school age. We offer play and learn groups, workshops, parenting classes, developmental screenings, an emergency childcare fund, community events and links to local childcare providers: anything we can do to create a strong foundation for our children, our families, our providers, our community. All classes are FREE

Below is the Fall Playgroup Schedule. If you wish to register visit their webiste: http://www.thecoalitionforchildren.org/fall-2014-schedule.html

***** FREE SAMPLES *****
As you know Cape Cod Mommies is an Ambassador for Boogie Wipes which are Gentle Saline Wipes for Stuffy Noses!

Right now we are offering a Completely Free Program for Preschools/ Daycares! We are offering to send Boogie Wipes for Free every Quarter for the preschool to use and share with their children's families. Having a Boogie Wipes "Save the Sleeve Station" in your classroom is very helpful!

So if you have a child in a Preschool or you teach/work at a Preschool Daycare or know someone who does, please use the link below to sign up for this Free Program. Or respond to this and I will help you get signed up - or bring samples to the school for them to see, touch and feel.

Be Sure to use the CODE - DELL-3Q12 if you use the link, that way they know how you received the information and we can continue to bring you all amazing FREEBIES!

Once your school has been approved, you can expect to receive a quarterly shipment containing a counter ready sample box to share with the parents. Each NEW member will also receive a special surprise in their first shipment.

If you have any questions please let me know - This is an Amazing opportunity to receive free Boogie Wipes for your Preschool!
#LetsBoogie #BoogieWipes

http://www.boogiewipes.com/preschool-sampling/

Hey Cape Cod Moms! Only 23 days until #FreeFunFridays! This summer they're partnering with 67 different cultural institutions to offer free admission on Fridays, so you and your family can enjoy some of the best attractions in Massachusetts at no cost! It’s #FREE for everyone so share the good news with your friends. Read more about this Summer's offerings: http://bit.ly/HSF-FFF.

Cape Cod Mommies has teamed up with some other amazing bloggers this week to bring you a series:

Experience Cape Cod Like A Local
Local Picks from Local Bloggers
Click on the links below after reading ours and check out other local recommendations.

The Holistic Mama
Cape Cod Mommies
Nap Time is My Time
Terrell Family Fun
Modern Day Wife

As part of this series we will also be featuring a giveaway-so see below for more info!

Cape Cod Mommies was recently given a chance to check out Super Soccer Stars.  They will be holding classes this summer in the Town of Barnstable.  They hold classes for ages 2 and up for groups and birthday parties!  What a great idea!!!  Super Soccer Stars has Offered our Readers an amazing opportunity to take their classes for a 10% discount.  If you want to check it out first or want to join us for a FREE DEMO session, then read more below!!! Be sure to SIGN UP for the FREE DEMO before Sunday night so we can be sure there are enough kids!

"At Super Soccer Stars, it is our goal to teach soccer skills in a fun, non-competitive, educational environment. Our philosophy is to use soccer to nurture, to build self-confidence, and to develop teamwork in every class. Our  specially designed curricula use positive reinforcement
and a low child-to-coach  ratio to ensure that each child improves at his or her own rate while having  endless fun."  For ages 2 and up!

FREE DEMO CLASS FOR CAPE COD MOMS!
Day: Wednesday or Thursday
Date: 7/18/2013 or 7/19/2013
Time: 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM  for 2 - 3 year olds
Time:  10:10 AM to 10:50 AM for 3 - 5 year olds
Location: Osterville - Osterville Bay
Address: 99 West Bay Road Osterville, MA 02655 Map  Link
Price: $0

It is important that  all of the children enroll through  their office before the start of the class for liability and staffing reasons –  their coaches do not accept enrollment info or any form of payment. Please note it is very important that all parents supply them with a valid email address in  his/her application, as this will serve as the main source of communication for  class information and updates. We must have at least 4 children enrolled in  order to hold the class.

Parents may enroll by completing the online application  process or simply giving us a call: 781-777-7171 


Here’s how it works to enroll online:


1.) Go to boston.supersoccerstars.com and "Private Groups Log-in" under  the Private Class option in the main menu.

2.) If you are signing up for:
    A.) WEDNESDAY:
   For 9:30am Class: Your log-in is CCM.  Your Guest Password is CCMWED23 - this password enables YOU to sign up online.
  
  For 10:10am Class: Your log-in is CCM.  Your Guest Password is CCMWED35 - this password
  enables YOU to sign up online.

    B.) THURSDAY:
For 9:30am Class: Your log-in is CCM.  Your Guest Password is CCMTH23 - this password
  enables YOU to sign up online
 
For 10:10am Class: Your log-in is CCM.  Your Guest Password is CCMTH35 - this password
  enables YOU to sign up online

If you enjoy the FREE demo class, you can sign up for their Summer Session with the Cape Cod
Mommies Discount of 10%!!!!

For more info visit their website: boston.supersoccerstars.com Email them at: boston@supersoccerstars.com
Or Call them: 781-777-7171

I love children activities that help kids express themselves, especially in art and music!  These are disciplines that are sorely lacking in the education system due to unfortunate budget cutbacks.  These kits are great for rainy day activities or to encourage your wee one to express themselves! 

BECAUSE "MOM" IS OFTEN A VERB! 
"Ready! Set! Mom!" Expo Coming SThis Week to the HYCC 

The upcoming fall season means "back to school" and busy days for parents with children. As such, Cape Cod Broadcasting’s 99.9 WQRC and Cape Country 104 are stepping up to help Cape Cod Moms get their kids ready to return to the classroom, and make the most of their "me time" by holding their first annual "Ready! Set! Mom!" Expo, Wednesday August 22, 2012 from 3p-7p at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center. 

Focusing on three specific areas of assistance for Mom, 99.9 WQRC and Cape Country 104 will arm her with all the information she needs for the school year ahead; including: 

Back to School: Apparel, Technology, School Supplies, Gear and Sporting Equipment and gear. 

Family Health & Wellness: Healthy Eating, Nutritious Lunches, Immunization, Fitness and Recreational Pursuits. 

Just for Mom: All the tools, tips and techniques to keep you, the multi-tasking Mom, going plus some pampering and relaxation to boot. 

Admission is free, and attendees will find many local businesses, major retailers and national brands presenting their products and services to educate, inform and assist Moms in their roles as parents. Please bring schools supplies to help us with out backpack drive for
Independence House.  

What: The Cape Cod Broadcasting "Ready! Set! Mom!" Expo 
When: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Hyannis Youth & Community Center ~ 141 Bassett Lane, Hyannis MA 02601 EXPO to be held in the Gymnasium and Shepley Rooms 

If you’d like more information about this event, or to schedule an interview, please call Erin Madden at 508-771-1224 ext. 131. Or email to ErinMadden@CapeCodBroadcasting.com