Have you been searching for a playgroup that is not your "typical" playgroup? I am, and have been for some time. I'm a member of some great groups but something is missing... so I decided to begin one myself.

My goal is to create a diverse, exciting group of moms (and dads) and children that functions as much as a parenting support community as it is a fun playgroup for the kiddos. A group where we can grow friendships and hopefully foster some consistency in playmates for our little ones. The target ages of most activities will be on the younger side (under five y/o) but I'm sure older siblings will have a great time at most play-dates as well.

There are endless possibilities of ideas for play-date meetups throughout Ct and even RI and MA! I am a huge advocate of free or inexpensive fun and I know that with our kids imaginations they'll have a great time pretty much anywhere. I also have memberships to the local museums and Mystic Aquarium so I'm sure we'll have some regular trips planned for those places. Aside from that, the options are endless. Now with the warm weather finally arriving we can do park picnics, hikes, walks around Evergreen Walk, Magic Wings (butterfly place up near Yankee Candle), play-dates at member's homes, crafty stuff, libraries, THE BEACH, fairs, and of course the free outdoor concerts at Elizabeth Park, Windsor Center and Evergreen Walk... the list is endless! I love natural settings and getting the little ones out into the great wide open so there will be a lot of that. I do plan on scheduling a few parent's nights out as well so that will be a nice escape from the normal routine for some of us. I expect this will likely be mostly a "moms group" however I do want to leave the door open to those fantastic, super-involved dads out there too! I know most of the groups I've been a part of are all female so I want to provide the option, especially for the single dads out there. All parents need a place where they can form bonds with their peers and their children can make those lovely friendships that are so important to their social development. However dads, please don't be offended when I check you out a tad bit more thoroughly than your female counterparts. It's just the nature of the beast. I hope you understand.

My daughter will be two in April and is already extremely social. She loves kids of all ages and it's wonderful to see her playing/interacting with her peers at the library, parks, etc. however, I would love for her to get to know some little friends by name; and honestly, it would be nice to get to know some of my fellow moms and dads better. It’s reassuring to know that you have a nice group of peers to seek advice from, share stories of our little ones’ victories, trade books and reading materials, recipes, ideas, etc. I plan to form a group library too (it’s crazy that we all buy the same books to read once).

I want to extend a special invitation to all the parents who feel "different" in any way (um, within reason); whether it's your status as a single parent, your religious beliefs (or lack thereof), your non-traditional parenting choices, tattoos, etc. Personally, I am a single-AP-limited vaccines-co-sleeping-open-minded-Constitutionalist-disabled Army veteran-healthy-food-conscious mom with "alternative" spiritual views. I know I'm not the "average" Stepford wife/mom and I'm happy with my choices. I am a huge fan of diversity as I feel we all have something to learn from each other. Avary and I love meeting new people and since I find myself with extra time on my hands I thought, why not start a playgroup? If this type of group appeals to you, and you plan on being an active participant, please don’t hesitate to join. We look forward to meeting you!