Our playgroup meet-ups, i.e. Just Babies, Just Toddlers and Pipsqueaks, are an important lifeline for many of our members, whether they are at home with young children and in search of some adult company, or simply after an opportunity to entertain the kids as well as have some mummy time for a couple of hours.
All of these sessions are hosted by members who kindly open their homes. At Pipsqueaks the kids get together to sing songs. Just Babies and Just Toddlers are playgroup meet-ups for everyone to play together and have a chat. Babies tend to ‘graduate’ to Just Toddlers at around eighteen months, but sometimes there can be a bit of cross over so it is always worth contacting the host named in the newsletter to see what the age range is for that week.
We rely on the support of our members, who open their homes to host these sessions, in order to be able to provide our regular programme of kids events. New hosts are always most welcome, as we find this makes things more evenly distributed. Hosting an event every couple of months is not too difficult. We talked to three of our regular hosts to find out more.
So, why host? What do you get out of hosting a playgroup session?
Saskia: New friends! Definitely new friends. I met my closest friends in Luxembourg through Pips and JT. Also, our kids are friends as well, now. We often meet at one’s home or at a playground and, of course, you learn so much about different cultures. Isn’t it nice to say that you spend half a day with people from all over the world?
Liz: Hosting is a great way to meet new people but, for me, the best thing is that my boys learn they also have to share their toys when new people come round to play! I also like the boys to have time playing with other children in English. The language opportunities here are fantastic but I sometimes feel that they don’t spend enough time with English speakers. I’ve always found expat circles very welcoming and it’s the best way to meet people with kids the same age as yours who you’ll likely go on to see regularly.
Is it a bit weird inviting strangers into your home?
Saskia: I think BLC ladies are not complete strangers, because they belong to the BLC club. We all have kind of the same background. We are new to this country and are looking for contacts and or some advice to “survive” in beautiful Luxembourg.
Judith: I have personally never felt this way. Coming to Luxembourg meant meeting new people all the time. Pipsqueaks was one of the first social events here where I felt I could connect and was welcome. Most of the new attendees have just arrived and are always happy for some advice too. Everyone is welcome. My kids love meeting other kids and singing with them and playing with their toys. Seeing them jumping up and down as if their lives depend on it when singing “sleeping bunnies” will be something I will always treasure.
What does being a host involve?
Saskia: Preparing the house or apartment for guests, offering a snack and a drink. Introducing the guests. So not too much!
Liz: Not much! Offering people a drink, biscuit and maybe fruit for the kids. I tend to move toys I know the kids may squabble over or that are particularly noisy upstairs, it makes my life even easier and I don’t like 15 toys making noises at the same time!! At Pipsqueaks we also sing a few songs. When I first started hosting I didn’t know them well enough so I just asked someone who’d been going for a while to lead until my nursery rhyme skills improved!
Judith: First of all, answer emails and provide people with your contact details. Make sure your place is reasonably tidy and safe before guests arrive. There are very often some younger siblings so make sure you get everything that’s dear to you or a hazard out of the way.
For the afternoon Pipsqueaks we always have a snack, after the singing. It’s completely up to you, whether you want to make something for it or just put some biscuits on the table. I am an architect and work 70%. When I am really busy, I might ask some of the guests to bring something along. Next is the actual event, so enjoy that! I love catching up with the others. The kids are usually entertained, playing with each other and every now and then we learn a new song. The last part is the least fun. Tidying up!
Any tips for attendees?
Saskia: Please be kind, ask if you can attend and maybe offer to bring a light snack (hosts love that!). Also, if you cannot make it, please let the host know.”
Judith: Let the host know in advance that you are coming. Some have to limit places due to space. There is always some preparation involved for them. If you have to cancel try to do that in advance. Also, the whole concept is based on people volunteering to host. There are no additional costs to attend, but no right for a place either. A host might have to cancel unexpectedly, or with short notice, so check your emails and if you bring something along, like a snack, it can also be a help, too.Another thing I was worried about when my kids were a lot younger and not yet attending créche was them picking up something. There is always the possibility of ‘snotty-nosed’ kids running around. If your kid was just sick with something more serious, I find it only fair to let people know in advance.Be prepared for some noise! And keep in mind that you are always responsible for your own offspring. Look forward to spending some time with other mummies. I met some of my best friends here in Luxembourg at Pipsqueaks.
Why host?
Saskia: Because it is a fun way to meet more people. Also, when five people attend an event, I normally get four invitations back. This is so great! It’s fun. If my kids are alone, they might be bored but when they have other kids over, then they play nicely and let mommy drink coffee or tea without having to join in for the play. So, it’s a win-win situation for the mum and the kids.
Liz: It’s a great way to meet new people and I find I remember faces and names better when I’m meeting them in my own home. You also don’t have to pack your kids up to travel anywhere so it saves another trip in the car. Children entertain each other when they’re together so you’re free to drink coffee in peace. If you have small kids then your place will likely be kiddy proof so it’s not like meeting in a café when you spend all your time attempting damage limitation!
Judith: At the beginning I was very hesitant about hosting. We live in an apartment with no garden and my oldest son wasn’t even two back then, so I thought there wouldn’t be enough room or toys to host such an event. But hosting a session is giving back something. Usually, if there are quite a few mummies involved, you will only end up hosting occasionally, maybe sometimes you might spring in if someone has to cancel. I enjoy having people over and once every five or six weeks is not much. The visiting mothers don’t have to worry about tidying up before or after, which gives them a welcome break. But at the same time my two boys actually really like it as well, when it is our time to host. They all have to learn to share their toys, but they are proud too, to show the other kids their rooms and so on. And another good thing- you don’t have to drive home after.If for some reason you are unable to host, you can always talk to the coordinator. Maybe limiting numbers, a slightly different time or day could solve the problem.”
Both hosting and attending some of our group activities for kids can be really rewarding for both parents and children, from fostering new friendships and making connections, to simply providing a friendly environment where you can relax and have a chat and a coffee whilst your kids enjoy a good play!
If you have any questions about any of our kids activities please get in touch with our Parent and Children’s Coordinator/s, on kids@blc.lu.