Parent Groups and Play Groups
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At Family Picnic, we offer multiple classes and groups for parents of babies and toddlers. We understand that parenting is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless learning opportunities, and we are here to support you every step of the way from pregnancy through early childhood. Browse our groups for new parents, parents of toddlers, and other workshops below.
Check out our class listings today!
Groups for Parents of Babies
This group is meant for any father (or other non-birthing parent) in their first year of parenthood.
Saturdays, May 11th, June 8th, & July 13th 10:30 AM
Two of Picnic’s new dads, Mo Ferdman and Zax Arendsen, have decided to start up again and lead our Picnic Dad and Baby Group.
They have been through the joys and difficulties of the first months with a new baby and are looking forward to hearing about other dads’ experiences in the first year of parenting. That means dads who have new babies, dads who’ve made it through the first year, as well as all dads in between.
It will be held the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 beginning Saturday, December 9 at Family Picnic. They hope that everyone will bring their babies with them, giving partners a break. There will be time to share ideas and challenges with parenting, time to play with and hold babies, enjoy the company of other new parents, as well as refreshments.
Some ideas for discussion include:
- Birth stories from a partner’s perspective
- Changes in relationships
- Figuring out your role as a parent, partner, and provider
- Getting enough sleep
- Time for yourself and with your partner
- Playing with and comforting your baby
The group will determine which topics are important to them and add things to discuss along the way.
Zax and Mo both had babies in May: Zax’s son, Leo, was born May 5, and Mo’s son, Callan, was born May 1.
Cost: $40 for all three group meetups or $15 for 1 Saturday group
For caregivers and their babies 6 months - walking.
Every Thursday @ 1:00 PM
Are you tired of being housebound with an active baby - a baby who is increasingly interested in the world and the people around them? Come join us at Family Picnic to meet other parents (or caregivers) and babies. Share the wonderful changes in your baby as well as the difficulties of having an active baby whether sitting, crawling, or beginning to walk. We will spend this hour talking together, while your babies play with and experience an assortment of toys and materials to stimulate exploration and play.
We'll end with songs and finger plays to share together. Come and have fun with us in the warmth.
Led By: Rebecca Nguyen, M.Ed.
Cost: Semester (6 visits): $90; Drop-in cost: $18
For first- and second-time parents and their babies.
Wed, May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
This is an intimate group for both first- and second-time parents and their babies. We meet weekly for 5 weeks with loose talking points in each group based on the needs of the group. We always spend a lot of time talking about how life changes when you have a baby!
These topics include:
- Birth stories
- Changes in how mothers see themselves
- How to find time for oneself
- Changes in your relationships, from intimate to professional ones
- How life will change with a new baby
- Breastfeeding and other feeding issues
- Sleeping issues
- Helping fussy babies
- Understanding a baby’s separation anxiety
- Returning to work
- Help finding the right child care
In addition, other topics important to the group are added as they come up. As the group continues, parents talk openly and intimately about their personal situations and find support from this amazing group of parents who are going through similar life experiences. This group provides an opportunity for mothers to spend time with other mothers and for young babies to begin ‘socializing’. It really is a must for any mom with a new baby!
This group will be led by Rebecca Nguyen, M.Ed.
Cost: $125 (sliding fee scale if needed)
Groups for Parents of Toddlers
This Play Group was designed for the the developmental needs and abilities of one, two and three year-olds.
Every Thursday, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Held in our open and exploratory setting, toys and activities will be appropriately aimed at this age group with their growing vocabulary, social skills, gross-motor development, and art and literacy curiosity.
The first hour and fifteen minutes will be spent in open play where children can choose toys, games, activities, and sensory and art experiences. There will also be purposefully chosen activities to encourage socialization and communication among kids and between kids and their adult.
This play group ends with a circle time with songs, games, finger plays, and stories. Feel free to bring a snack for your little one to enjoy during our circle time.
To make the most out of each play group, toddlers must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Led By: Rebecca Nguyen, Masters in Early Childhood Education.
Cost: Semester (6 visits): $108; 5-group pass: $90; drop-in rate: $20 (sibling discount of 25% off)
Next session: June 13th - July 25th: https://www.hisawyer.com/chicago-family-picnic/schedules/activity-set/750540
This play group is geared to the unique developmental needs of young toddlers while also providing space for parents to engage with other parents about the triumphs and struggles of parenting a toddler!
*Our exclusively one-year old playgroup will start up again in September
Are you tired of being housebound with an active toddler - a toddler who is increasingly interested in the world and people around them? Come join us for a group designed for you and your young toddler!
Meet other parents and young toddlers and share the wonderful changes in your toddler, as well as the difficulties of having an active toddler. We will spend our time together facilitating social play between our children, allowing them to learn about the world through play.
We will also engage your toddler in songs, short stories, and sensory or motor activities. Parents will also be provided with a list of great early toddler activities, books, and songs to do at home.
This group will meet indoors at Family Picnic's open and engaging space.
Look to liven things up with Family Picnic!
Cost: Semester (10 visits): $150; 5-group pass: $75; drop-in rate of $18
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Family Picnic
Located in Chicago, IL, Family Picnic specializes in childbirth classes, doula services, and parent and play groups. Certified lactation consultant. Competitive pricing. 20 years of experience. Call today.
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