Meet Heather Cellini. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing her in the South Charlotte Playgroup and as a Finance Coach on my blog, Charlotte Mom Favorites. Recently, she rejoined the work force (at least part time) as a Consultant at Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP.
But to be honest, I just know her as a super-hilarious and wonderful mother to two of the cutest (and sweetest) boys on the planet. I think that one of the things that keeps her so uplifted are the fabulous mom-friends she’s made in her small playgroup that she’s been a part of for years.
These women get together at a set time every week. They talk about their kids (and sometimes their husbands), they’ll swap parenting advice, and let the kids burn some energy. They may even share a snack. Vacuum cleaner required.
Q.How did you get involved in your playgroup?
I met one of the other moms at an in-home “playdate” through the South Charlotte Playgroup. She and I hit it off partly because we had sons that were close in age, and partly, I think, because I freely admitted that I had no idea whether I was any good at the whole parenting thing. Afterwards, she invited me to be part of a playgroup that met weekly. The group has about 10 moms. When it first started, our children were between three months and one-year old and we all had only one child. Now, many of us have more than one child, and their ages range from newborn to four years old.
Q.How long have you been getting together, and what’s the secret for your continued success?
We’ve been getting together for over three years now. We have a Facebook group set up which allows us to easily communicate about hosting play group and getting together other times outside our regularly scheduled meetings. It’s become such a routine part of our schedule that my oldest son often looks forward to Mondays since he knows that’s our playgroup day.
Q.What are some fun things you have done?
We’ve taken our little ones strawberry picking and pumpkin picking, and we’ve had Easter egg hunts and Halloween costume parties in our backyards together. We also do a monthly “Moms Night Out” which ranges from dinners out to game nights in. Some of us even went to Palm Beach together (sans kiddos) to visit one of the moms in our group who had recently moved to Florida.
Q.What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened at a playdate?
One time when my son was potty training, he insisted that the entire playgroup – moms and kids – gather around to watch him.
Q.How would you recommend other moms find a playgroup?
The playgroup is as much for the moms as it is for the kids. I love the socialization the group has provided for both my children. And I don’t think my sanity would be intact if I didn’t have these moms. We rely on one another for topics ranging from potty training to schools to the latest book we’ve read. It’s been wonderful making new friends and seeing each child grow from infant to preschooler. Meetup.com is a great way to get started meeting other moms with young children. There are so many playgroup s you can join and often daily events that you can attend. I’ve also had luck striking up conversations at the library or gym with fellow moms. A simple question about another mom’s child can sometimes lead to a life-long friendship.
