So, you’ve had a new baby. Everything has changed. You no longer hang out with work colleagues throughout the day. Your friends ask you to go out for dinner and drinks, but it falls in the ‘too-hard’ basket. Your partner is at work. Whilst cooing at your baby is a wonderful pastime, you crave adult conversation. Well, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a lot of new parent support in Lake Macquarie – you just need to know where to look. Check out these new parents’ groups and activities, and find others on the new parent journey in Lake Macquarie, just like you.
Join a mother’s group
You don’t have to stay in touch with the mothers you met at the hospital or the classes you attended. A local mother’s group or encounter at the park or cafe might be more your thing. Feeling comfortable hanging out with other parents and sharing your parenting journey is the most important thing.
Mothers with babies or toddlers the same age as yours will generally be the most likely to listen and support the achievements and disasters you encounter as a parent. They’re living it too and will be empathetic when you’re late, tired, or dealing with a child who isn’t following the program. Many women find that these friendship groups can last for years. My mother-in-law still hangs out with her mother’s group every week, and she is in her 70s!
Find friendship at a local playgroup
Dotted all around Lake Macquarie, playgroups are aimed at parents with young children. You’re welcome to attend most of these from when your child is born until they start primary school. Playgroups tend to be run by volunteers who are parents or grandparents.
It’s a great way to build friendships, find support, and share your parenting journey with other parents or caregivers. A playgroup is also a great place for your child to build friendships with other kids, learn to share, and play with others. You’ll often find toys, crafts, music, and many groups also offer an outside play area. Morning tea is usually on the agenda as well. You’ll need to find out how each particular playgroup works before you attend, which is simply making a call to the organiser.
Click here to access our: Playgrounds in Lake Mac Guide
Sing, dance, and rhyme
If you love to sing and play music with your child, Mainly Music is a volunteer church group that allows parents and caregivers to sing, dance, and play music. There are several Mainly Music groups dotted all around Lake Macquarie.
Through music and activities, children develop gross and fine motor skills, imagination, and language. They will also enjoy spending time with other children. Parents and caregivers also get the opportunity to engage with their children in a fun environment and socialise with other parents and caregivers.
Learn to love books
Lake Macquarie libraries offer a range of activities from birth to primary school age and beyond. ‘Books and Babies’ are aimed at young children from 0 to 1 year old. They offer stories, rhymes, and songs that you and your child will enjoy together.
From age 1 to 3 years old, ‘Read and Rhyme’ time offers stories, songs, and instruments. This encourages your child’s imagination and language skills. For the older children, ‘Sing Say Share and Play’ is for 3 – 5 year olds. Kids will love this sensory-friendly storytime that engages with early literacy through songs, rhymes, shared stories, plus creative play. All of these events are free of charge.
Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima) now offers ‘Digitals: Storytime and Art‘ for kids 2 – 5 yrs. Kids can enjoy a story on the big screen, and then participate in fun hands-on activities.
Find support at The Australian Breastfeeding Association
The Australian Breastfeeding Association has regular meetings where they offer pregnant, new mums, or mums of toddlers, the opportunity to socialise with other mums. At these meetings, breastfeeding counsellors and breastfeeding educators attend to offer support and information. If you’re encountering problems or just have questions, they are there to offer help for new mums.
You also have the opportunity to share with other parents and offer support, advice, and friendship. Many mums find it invaluable to share their parenting journey and find out they are not alone in the challenges they face. All mums are welcome, however, you choose to feed your baby.
Parent-friendly movie time
Did you know that both Reading and Event Cinemas offer special sessions for mums with young babies and children? Reading calls theirs Baby’s Day Out, and Event calls theirs Bring Your Baby. The lights aren’t fully dimmed for the movie, so you can still see enough to feed your baby or watch if your toddler goes walkabout. What an awesome idea! Check with these outlets directly for more information.
Becoming a new parent is exhausting and rewarding, plus one million other emotions at the same time. Breathe…..you are not alone, and there are lots of places here in Lake Macquarie where you can connect with other parents.
