Mommy and me (Pittsburgh: neighborhood, public schools, live in)

[jewelrymumma]

Does anyone know of any mommy and me class south of the burgh?

[Kippy]

I can't speak for the South area, but my township has a great Parks and Recreation Department that has classes for kids (and their parents) as young as one.

Also, our local library has a great programs for kids as well, also starting as young as one. Story time always involves more than just a story, the kids play games, sing songs, do a craft, eat a snack, watch a video, etc. all with parental involvement. I love the old school videos that they show, most of them are older than me!

If you have a Barnes and Noble nearbly, they also do a weekly story hour. However, it is usually less involved than ones offered at the library, just a story and a quick craft.

There are also localized mom groups on meetup.com and other sites, but I have never been interested in them. There is a Gymboree in Mt. Lebo that offers classes, I am sure someone from that area can tell you more.

Good luck! Nothing beats spending time with your little one!

[Sideblinded]

I am not good with geographical Pittsburgh terms. I know this is not on the south side, but it might be worth a drive. "My Little Outback" on Murray in South Squirrel Hill is pretty new. It is not Gymboree and I am not sure if it is what you are looking for. My kids are too old and I don't know anyone that has been there, but it looked interesting to me.

It appears that I excell in not knowing!

[MeinGlanzendMotorrad]

Why not just, you know... Spend time with your kid without someone else leading you through it? Not trying to sound like a jerk or anything but the whole concept of "Mommy and Me" makes me think there are too many people who don't know how to be parents popping out kids anyhow.

[Sideblinded]

Originally Posted by MeinGlanzendMotorrad

Why not just, you know... Spend time with your kid without someone else leading you through it? Not trying to sound like a jerk or anything but the whole concept of "Mommy and Me" makes me think there are too many people who don't know how to be parents popping out kids anyhow.

If you were not trying to sound like a jerk I would be afraid of seeing you trying to sound like one. (i am afraid I am about to find out).

Jewelrymom,

Finding other moms and groups is important for kids and ADULTS! My kids are older but I remember wishing for adult conversation with & without my kids. I also don't think people understand the disconnect kids and parents encounter. Unless you live in a cookie cutter neighborhood it is hard to make friends. If you live in the city, 20 kids the same age within 6 blocks don't know eachother because they all attend different private, charter or public schools.

[MeinGlanzendMotorrad]

Hey cool you didn't answer the question.

[fishy76]

Originally Posted by MeinGlanzendMotorrad

Why not just, you know... Spend time with your kid without someone else leading you through it? Not trying to sound like a jerk or anything but the whole concept of "Mommy and Me" makes me think there are too many people who don't know how to be parents popping out kids anyhow.

Seriously? For starters, anything that gets parents and children spending time together is a good thing (classes, storytime, Gymboree, Parks and Rec, whatever...). Classes offer a great opportunity for like-minded parents to meet, socialize, and build support networks. It also creates a great structured environment to help children begin learning the social skills needed to be successful in life. Finally, classes are just that - a class - they give parents and children the opportunity to learn fun new skills that they might otherwise miss. There is no downside to taking a child to a stimulating activity.

Seems you might be one of the "too many people who don't know how to be parents" ...?

[MeinGlanzendMotorrad]

You'll probably note that I don't spend any time around children, let alone would I stoop to the level of producing any of my own.

So fortunately that doesn't make me a hypocrite!

[Burghgirl17]

Originally Posted by jewelrymumma

Does anyone know of any mommy and me class south of the burgh?

Where in the SH?

There's a Gymboree in the Galleria Mall. Further down in Peters there's a place called the Little Gym. I've never taken my toddler to a Mommy & Me class (so many less options for working moms), so I can't vouch for anywhere in particular.

[DomerJen]

try musictogether.com - i'm pretty sure they have some instructors in Pgh. We love our instructor here in Atlanta and I'm hoping we'll enjoy it up there, too.