I used to go to St. James Moms and Tots too, and I am still in touch with a lot of great friends from those days. Additionally, a couple of friends that I met during Lamaze reached out to me after we all had our babies and we would hit the mall at least once a week and just chat, stroll, and share our woes about a lack of sleep!
However, I think, overwhelmingly, my Homestead Village neighborhood afforded my kids and me the best opportunities to socialize. There were many parents the same age as us and, as we are such a close knit, friendly community, we would just walk outside and meet someone to chat, laugh and play with. Everyone's backyard was open to all and happy hour on a Friday was (and is!) always my favorite!

Thanks, Andi. Do we have any input from moms for where to go now? Is Moms & Tots still an active group?

I used to take my kids to story time at the library!

Thanks, Jennifer! It's been a while or I would have remembered Story Time at the library. Any other library programs that parents & children especially enjoy?

I used to take my kids to the library as well, once a week and sit on the story steps where they interacted with other toddlers. We also formed an informal toddler play group where we met with our kids at each other's houses once a week and let them interact with each other. We structured this activity a little bit by reading a book to them to calm them down after a while. It was also a good time for toddlers to try out a new healthy snack. My little ones liked to copy the others eating a cheese stick or a carrot etc.

Many moms also use the Y as a place to meet. You see them dropping their kids off in Kidz Korner so they can go and work out although, at times, I think some of them just go for a cup of coffee and some downtime with girlfriends whilst their kids play with other kids in a safe environment. It's the best babysitting option around during the day -- work out or not! I also see a lot of moms enjoying each other's conversations in our hallways as they sit together and watch their little ones in a swim, dance or gymnastics class. Also, there's a great outdoor playground in the backyard where kids can play as long as they're supervised... I'm not sure how many people know this but we have a bunch of programs for kids with special needs that are very popular. There's Jamnastics for ages 4-10, music and movement for children with special needs ages 6-10 and many swim programs, too. One of the most popular is Saturdays in Motion that has been hosted (I think it's usually one Saturday each month) at the Y for a long time; it provides them with recreation in the pool and the gymnasium with middle and high school volunteers while siblings and parents meet and enjoy each other's company. There's more info on all this stuff on our website if anyone wants to check it out -- www.somersethillsymca.org.

Thanks, Prachi. I'm sure I'm not alone in remembering those shared activities with toddlers as a very special time to enjoy!

When ours were tiny-tots, we enjoyed thinking of what the kids a bit older would be doing and then meet up with them. At such events as the Fall Fest or the annual 1700's celebrations or bike races in town, we'd then meet the younger siblings. My kids loved meeting older kids and I was able to line up potential babysitters from meeting reliable families and sparking friendships of our own. Another spot would be to simply enjoy a fun visit out of our then-comfort-zone at a place that would welcome parents to strike up a conversation--the ball park is one...enjoy watching a fun town baseball game and you will meet families of all ages who will cheer along with you and become an instant friend! Attend a local 5k and route on the runners (see next month's "Keeping Babies Safe" at Harry Dunham Park...an outstand spot to support each other and meet local friends of all ages. There's a huge "sandbox" of opportunities out there! Start digging--and I hope to see you on the bleachers--we still go to all the games to cheer!

The "Me and My Shadow Class" at Weintal Preschool is another great place to connect with moms of toddlers; it's a lot like PEP Club in structure but it's held in a beautiful classroom in the school with a preschool teacher. A great first intro to school. http://www.weintalpreschool.org/toddler-programs.html