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Playgroup, while for your child, is indeed an outlet for you, too. The old adage that you cannot pour from an empty cup is true.

“The list of benefits linked to attending playgroups and local community sessions for children are endless,” said Sheridan. “I really wanted to simply highlight the importance and value it holds for the parents and carers too, surrounding yourself with other people who you can relate to, whilst we are all on our individual journeys navigating parenthood.”

The playgroup setting lends itself to openness. It creates room for you to simply be, with people who you have something in common with. In time, there is great opportunity to develop a sense of belonging.

“I think finding your tribe, in whatever playgroup setting that feels right with you, can only have a positive impact. In my case, it’s been absolute serotonin fuel,” said Kaye while reflecting on her own time at playgroup.

“There is also the opportunity to share the wild journey that having young children can be, with like-minded parents, and the outcome is you end up feeling less alone. I’ve made some really lovely friends, who I have met outside of the playgroup, which would never have happened without that common link that first joined us.”

Playgroup can take you by the hand and welcome you, slowly changing your mindset or your mood. There are many different types of playgroups- intergenerational playgroups, bush playgroups, cultural specific playgroups, baby playgroups, dads playgroups. Sometimes it might take a few attempts to find a group that feels right, but when you do, the benefits are abundant.

“Having suffered through postpartum depression and anxiety, leaving the house and connecting to other adults has had an incredible positive impact on my mental health,” said Kaye.

Kaye is also a skilled photographer and beautifully captures moments during her playgroup sessions. Playgroup provides an opportunity to express yourself, share your common interests, take a breather and reconnect with yourself as a person as well as a parent.

Physicist and great thinker Albert Einstein talked about ‘Combinatory Play’. The idea being that by playing in one area, you have the ability to open a different mental channel.

Combining and enjoying different types of play at different times can prompt new ways of thinking, creativity, new ideas and enjoyment that often lead to enlightenment and answers.

Whether it is having a morning tea and baking a cake, painting, yoga, suggesting an excursion to the zoo, suggesting an activity or sharing a skill with the group, there is a myriad of ways to enrich your own week at playgroup alongside your child and other local families.

A day at playgroup can get your brain thinking in new ways. Playgroup encourages you to embrace the unknown and try things out. Indeed, things keep changing, but playgroup friends and connections can last a lifetime- or at the very least, it can be what you need, at the time that you need it.

By Sinead Halliday, Playgroup