A Parent and Toddler group is a local support group where young children, their parents/carers meet to play and socialise together, usually for one morning a week in a safe and secure environment.
Each parent or carer is responsible for their own children at all times.
Why should I join a Parent and Toddler Group?
It gives you an opportunity…
- To be with your children without being distracted by household chores thus enhancing you and your children’s relationship.
- To socially interact with one another and meet other parents in similar circumstances
- To provide your child with a stepping stone for preparing him/her to go to a playgroup
- To provide your child with an opportunity to play with different toys and an opportunity for you to observe what he/she likes to play with before you purchase toys for home.
- To have a great support network for what can be the difficult role of parenting
- To discuss and hear others experiences in issues attached to parenting such as the health care of your child and yourself, positive parenting, setting boundaries, stress management and numerous other issues vital to good parenting.
- To from the basis for life long friendships and can be especially helpful if you do not have family support close by
- To have a sense of belonging in a community and for some parents maybe the only social contact during the day
- To have access to community resources such as information, training courses, social events etc.
What do Parents Think?
- “My group gives me a buzz, I love the social side. Watching my son playing with other children and with quality toys he hasn’t at home – which I didn’t have to buy!!”
- “When I moved house I was very lonely and had no support but after attending a few sessions of my local Parent and Toddler Group I made some really good friends. The weekly meetings helped greatly to settle me in and I haven’t looked back – two years later – I love it here”.
- “It gives me confidence as a parent to hear other parents experiencing similar problems with bed time, meal times, toilet training etc. – we share ideas and have a great laugh”
Where is my nearest group?
Ballyhall Parent and Toddler Group
c/o 23, The Meadows, Callan, Co. Kilkenny
Sinead Keher
056-7755072
Big Wood Parent and Toddler Group
Knockbrack, Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny
Madeline Byrne
051-880134
Castlecomer Parent and Toddler Group
Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny
Richenda Brennan
087-2884087
Wandesforde Hall Parent and Toddler Group
Castlecomer Community Hall, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny
Jackie Neal
056-4442778
Mooncoin Parent and Toddler Group
The GAA Complex, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny
Joan Thornton
087-7774688
Piltown Parent and Toddler Group
Piltown National School, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny
Valerie Nolan
051-648393
Presbyterian Church Parent and Toddler Group
c/o 6 Larkfield Ave. Dukesmeadows, Kilkenny
Heather Jeffery
056-7764597
Stoneyford Parent and Toddler Group
Innisnag, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny
Anne O Brien
056-7728984
Thomastown Parent and Toddler Group
Rock Road, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
Steffi Gulde
056-7754666
Tullaroan Parent and Toddler Group
c/o The Village, Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny
Geraldine Walsh
056-7769021
Kilmacow Parent & Toddler Group
St Anne’s Terrace, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny
Joan Thornton
087-7774688
LARC Parent & Toddler Group
Bishop Birth Training Institute, Nuncio Road, Kilkenny
Kathleen Carroll
056-7764700
If there’s not a Parent and Toddler Group near you why not set up your own?
The KKCCC are committed to promoting quality childcare in Kilkenny and are freely available to offer you advice and support. We also provide a “Toy Library” free to your service subject to conditions.
Our library and information service can also provide valuable information on childcare and other aspects of P and T Groups.
How to make a start:
- Decide on whether it is one person or a committee who takes on the task of organising the group.
- Location – a suitable space with regular availability
- Insurance – Check it out (IPPA do a package for P and T Groups)
- Fire Safety – Ask Local Fire Officer to check the building and advise you on fire drills
- Funding – various ways to raise funds for insurance with maybe a small fee per family per day towards week to week running costs
- Toys and Facilities – age related suitable facilities and toys
- Basic information for each parent/carer in letter form
- Job cards can be useful to ensure smooth running for the group
Be sure to contact the Childcare Development worker at the KKCCC for advice and support with any of the above and all other aspects of setting up your own group.
