Hello Mamas,
Any suggestions for getting more conversations flowing at our play groups? We are a relatively small group of women and all seem to be on the quiet side. I am shy, myself, but am one of the more extroverted ones in this group. Our discussions, predictably, always seem to focus on our kids, but I know they've gotta have more interests than just mothering.
I suck at small talk! I'd rather be discussing current events, politics, history, etc than talking about the weather or which retailer currently has the best sale, but I know I've gotta start some where.
How about suggesting an informal book club for the playgroup? That would give you all something to talk about, and probably broach some interesting conversations.
Bring up/ talk about Congressman Weiner. That should bring up lots of discussions; everthing from tweeting, texting, sexting, politics and men! Becareful it might open some flood gates, but it should definitely get the conversation going!
Serve mimosas if in the am and margaritas in the afternoon. Thats what we did and it made it much more fun!
Table Talk Conversation Cards - you can buy them for about $6 for the set and each card has a question to get a conversation started.
One of my girlfriends brought them to a girl's weekend. We've never had trouble with talking, but I still thought they were fun!
You might want to try getting out a pack of cards called Table Topics (or something like that). Go to Amazon or the maker's website to see the various packs available and examples of questions. If you get a family-oriented set, adults and kids can answer questions. If you get an 80s-theme or similar type set, you can limit it to adults. TT is a good time-filler, and an easy way to find out more about people.
Our playgroup has one or two nights every month that are designated No Children, Mom's Night Out nights.
Our Mom's Night Outs vary, but fall under a couple of different categories: we do coffeeshops; bars; karaoke; we meet at a favorite restaurant or try out a restaurant that's new to everyone; we have Game Night at someone's home.
Or a Mom-only event might be for some of us to meet on the weekends and go antiqueing.
Our playgroup also has a BookGroup running on the side; this allows one more MNO every month, and we generally end up talking about the book during playdates, too.
Every once in a while, we also do a weekend or evening playdate, when the husbands and older kids are allowed to tag along. It lets the husbands meet our friends and each other, and it allows a new perspective on the conversation. (And, it lets the dads chase the kids so the moms don't have to!)
I think the more you continue to get together as a group, the more you'll become comfortable with each other and start to open up about other things that are going on in your lives, other than kid stuff. I think it just takes time. I think it's always easier when you have something in common with another mom also. Small talk at first can lead to some great friendships.
I think you could try organizing a night out with the other mom's where you can all relax a bit and talk with out the kids. I think you would also enjoy a book club or some other group that meets to do an activity of your interest.
How about discussing books you've read lately? If that goes well you could even start a little book group to all read and discuss a book each time you meet. Or you could do a mom's night out to see a movie and then discuss that at the next playgroup.
