Birmingham Moms Seek Playgroup for Kids

Have you ever realized how your life as a Mom could easily read as an ad in the Personals?

SAHM seeks other local Moms with children ages 2-4. Must enjoy parks, zoo, gossip and afternoon playdates. (wine optional)  If interested call: 555-1234.

If you’re new to Birmingham, are a new mom, or new to having more than one child, maybe looking for a local Moms Group would be a great way to branch out and meet other Moms in the area.

Here are a few things to consider when looking for a group for you and the wee-ones.

1. Location, Location, Location. Make sure to pick a group that is convenient to where you live. While most groups in and around the Birmingham area will have meetups at our city hot spots, like McWane or the zoo, if they have members predominately from one area of town then those are the ladies who will be hosting in-home playdates. If you live in Trussville, it may not make geographical sense for you to pick a group centered around Alabaster. If you have older kids in school for a 1/2 day, or new babies that are on tight feeding schedules, you will end up spending a lot of time in the car and not a lot of time hanging with other Moms.

2. Size doesn’t always matter. Looking for a group with a certain number of ladies is not a great way to narrow down your choice. While a group may boast a membership of 75 Moms, ask the organizer how many of those are truly active members. Usually you will have a small core group of Moms that participate in most every event, it could realistically be about half of the groups overall member number. Some people think bigger is better, bigger pond, more chance of finding someone that you click with. If a group is on the large size, ask how playdates and events are broken down. The last thing you want in a group is a massive playdate where 6 year olds are mingling with or mauling the infants.

3. Group Requirements. Find out in advance what is expected of you as a member. Are you required to attend a certain number of events in a month, or a quarter? Are you required to host a certain number of playgroups at your house? Some requirements may not be suitable for your schedule or lifestyle.

Other things to consider are group fees. Most groups charge them but they are usually minimal. Look for a group with a Message Board, they are a great way to find support and advice from other Moms going through the same thing or from Moms that have been there, done that. Ask about the days they usually have their events, many groups focus mostly on weekdays, with very limited events scheduled on the weekends.  Calendars that are updated in advance are a good sign of an organized Organizer, and it helps when you’re planning you’re personal appointments to know what’s going on in advance so you don’t miss out on something you really wanted to experience with your group.

Don’t be afraid of groups that require a face to face meeting before allowing you to join them. This is typically a measure of security, to make sure that you are who you say you are via your email or online application. No one wants some pervert having access to all of the information you can typically find on the message boards or sites. Think of it also as a chance for you to meet with the group leaders and discuss any questions you may have about the way the group runs. Make sure it’s a good fit for everyone involved.

Now, with that said, how does one go about finding a group, you ask? Here is a list of some of the local groups for you to consider.

Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples:  Support group for mothers of twins, triplets, quads or more. Serving the greater Birmingham area. Website

Moms League of Birmingham: For all Moms of babies, toddlers, and Pre-k!  Looking for Rookies, Pros and even Mom’s to be. Join them for trips to the zoo, local parks, storytime, playdates, and much more. Website

Chubby Cherubs: Jefferson & Shelby County. Guardian’s and cherub’s that like to get together and have fun. Involved in all Jefferson & Shelby County events that include Story Times at different Library’s, Craft Fairs, School Fairs, Festivals, Parks & Recreation, Our new Safe House, The Humane Society, the Zoo and much more! Website

Mommys Munchkins: A diverse group of moms, in the Hoover/280 area, of all ages and personalities. A mix of SAHM and Working Moms.  Playgroups are targeted for children ages 3 and under. Activities include in-home playgroups, trips to the mall, park and zoo and mom’s night out! Website

Moms n More: A modern group of ladies who get together at least twice a week. In-home playgroups, trips to the park, zoo, movies, mom’s night out, and many other fun events! Website

Mommy Network of Ross Bridge: A group of fun-loving Moms who live in Ross Bridge in Hoover, AL. Website

Pitter Patter Playgroup: A playgroup that is targeted around the age of 4 and under. The purpose is to involve, inform and connect with other SAHM’s & their children in the area and in your similar situation. Offering plenty of playgroups, crafts, MNO’s, holiday parties and other social gatherings on the calendar.

Moms Club of Birmingham – Inverness: Non profit Organization, for Stay at Home Moms the club includes mothers of children of all ages. Zip codes for this chapter are: 35242, 35243, 35094, 35147, 35186, 35043  Website

Moms Club of Birmingham – South: Non profit Organization, for Stay at Home Moms the club includes mothers of children of all ages. Zip codes for this chapter are: 35111, 35080, 35114, 35115, 35124, 35040, 35007, 35202, 35021, 35022, 35023 Website

Moms Club of Birmingham – Over the Mountain – Website

MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) – MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom – urban, suburban and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms – moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! Website

** There will be a Membership open house for Moms Club of Birmingham – Over the Mountain Chapter on Friday, April 23rd at 10am. This ice cream social will take place at Homewood park, and they will try to set up at the pavilion closest to the playground.

Alright, so now you are armed with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision on joining a local group. Come back and let us know how your new group is working out for you!