My son is 11 months old now. I work full time and my son is cared for at home by my father-in-law. When I take him to the park or anywhere outside he loves looking at other kids. He also tries to interact with them. So, I was wondering if he would enjoy playing with kids of his own age and whether there were any such existing groups in the CHicago area.
I'm not sure if my response went through so I apologize if I sent it twice. I wanted to sugget the chicago park district. I liked the play group at Wicker Park. You can also try the local branch of the public library. Ours had a play group that I took my son to when he was smaller. I also like the suzuki-orff school for young musicians, which is at Chicago and Racine.
Hi there!
My son is almost 11 months old. We would love to get together with you. Email me or give me a call so we can make some plans. We live in Chicago, near Caldwell & Devon. ###-###-####
J.
I take my 14 mo old daughter to Kindermusik and Gym & Swim classes in order for her to be able to interact with kids near her age. She loves both of them. At this age kids aren't so interested in playing wiht each other as they are seeing each other, which is why I find the classes to be great b/c she sees the other kids and then also can do the music or activities on her own. She sounds similar to your son in that she LOVES seeing other kids out at the park. We live in the Western burbs, but I do know there are gym & Swim classes at the YMCA at Belmont&Ashland. Also, there are Kindermusik classes at Sweet Peas studio which is up at Ravenswood and Grace. Just some thoughts!
Hi!
It's much harder, of course, to get interaction when you're not the one taking your child out, unfortunately. It's all about moms talking about mom stuff. I see that on days I work and my sitter has my son.
but I wanted to suggest one thing. On Monday and Wednesday mornings at the Lincoln Park Zoo they have a sing-along.
It's in the Farm-in-the-Zoo at both 9:15 and 10:00 am. My son is 11 months old and I go each week with two 14 month-olds and their moms.
It's fun. It's free ($1.00 optional donation), and it's a great place for your child to interact with other kids a bit. Well, at least he can look at them!
If your father-in-law has more questions, he can email me. And I'll make a point to look for him there.
Come summer, he'll have all the playmates he needs in the parks (Oz Park and Bauler are great, but may be too far for you).
In the meantime, hang in there. Winter is halfway over!
