Both of my children have had the great fortune to be a part of the Child's Play program at the Rutgers Church on W. 73rd St. The program is unique in many ways, but there are two ways that really stand out. First...this program is only for moms or dads to accompany their children. No nannies or babysitters are allowed and the reason makes sense. This is a program where the parents have the rare opportunity to interact with one another, to give and receive wonderful advice and guidance in all areas of parenting. It’s a safe haven where all your questions are taken seriously and understood because you are speaking with other parents who are probably going through if not the same, very similar situations. The second unique part of this program is Jennifer, who is one of the Child's Play playgroup leaders. Jennifer, a mom herself, has that rare ability to make everyone feel welcome, included, cared about and...important. Jennifer gets excited with your children's accomplishments and even with what may seem to be the smallest of achievements or goals attained, she is right in there as your biggest cheerleader. Jennifer's energy is contagious and she has a way of loving up your children so they come in to class so excited each week.
- Debra, mom of 6-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter
It's hard to meet other moms in the winter and luckily I found Child's Play. It was my sanity saver. My daughter learned to share, run around, and hear new songs with the same kids each week while I felt a lot better after discussing baby topics (and drinking coffee) with the same moms week to week. From Child's Play I've kept two dear mom friends that I still see on a weekly basis. Child's Play has been around for so long because it works!
- Heather, mom to a 2.5-year-old daughter
I love that Child's Play is moms only because most classes are mostly caretakers and I prefer to chat with other moms. The atmosphere is relaxed and low key. The kids get to do a little bit of everything and a lot of socializing with other kids. The groups are small and intimate. My son always looks forward to going and has a great time. Child's Play is sweet, unassuming and just what a playgroup should be.
- Michele, mom to 2.5-year-old son
As a parent of two very active toddler boys, I felt that the curriculum and timing of the Child's Play was perfect! Our boys stayed for 3 semesters and would have stayed longer if allowed! They loved the teachers and all of the activities. The teachers were patient, kind and understanding of our boys as well as all the other children and parents in the room. I am so happy that our boys' earliest classroom was Child's Play.
- Laurent, father of twin boys
When my first son was a baby we started at Child's Play and he loved it. Eventually, we liked it so much we came twice a week. It made a real difference for me because I am a stay at home mom with no babysitter and I got to meet other mothers like me. Ten years later, I still keep in touch with some of the mothers. My second son was born seven years later and it was the one class that I really wanted to sign up for. It is an art class, a free play class, a gym class... and a social network for moms so that they can have fun too.
- Alexandra, mom to two sons, aged 10 and 3
Child's Play is a wholesome and refreshing alternative to all the bells and whistles programming available today. Quite simply, it is what children need developmentally and what parents need to feel connected and less isolated. Furthermore, it creates a friendly and community environment in which to appreciate the joys of parenting! There is a welcoming and accepting spirit that allows parents and children to engage in play, art, circle time, story and plain fun, all at the individual's pace. This group is one of the highlights of our week!
- Andrea, mother of a 2-year-old girl |
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