Parent-and-toddler groups help expats in Prague build community

Parent and toddler groups can be an essential part of growing your community especially when you’re an expat living in the Czech Republic. Not only do these groups offer the opportunity for young children aged up to two-and-a-half years to have fun and mix with other children in a safe environment, it lets a familiar adult share the learning experience with them.

Nessie, the Park Lane International School’s English Preschool is launching a new parent and toddler group this autumn.

“It is an excellent opportunity to meet with other parents in the area as well as get to know our fabulous, trained, and qualified toddler specialist team who are willing to help you on your child’s educational journey,” says Mr. Joe Eyles Head of Primary and Early Years at Park Lane.

These sessions will take place for 90 minutes, free of charge, at the Nessie English Preschool Nad Bertramkou and offer a wide variety of experiences that aren’t always easy to do at home from messy play, mud kitchens, garden time in the nature nook to stories, role play and songs. Children are provided with a light snack of fruit and biscuits and tea/coffee is on offer for parents.

Who can attend?

Parents may attend the group with a newborn baby, a baby who has just learnt to sit, a toddler and a preschooler, or a combination of all of the above.

Nessie, the Park Lane International School’s English Preschool offers a parent and toddler group starting this September every Tuesday and Thursday Morning from 9:30 am. The first session will be available on Sept. 13.

Support for parents

Mr Eyles. suggests that the earlier you attend, the more likely you are to establish long term friendships with other parents, share the expertise of other parents and teaching staff.

“If you feel you are on your own, struggling with your baby's demands or feeling isolated, or just want to make friends who are interested and enthusiastic about your baby too then our Parent & Toddler Group is the place to find them,” he says.

Benefits for children

The benefits of the group are also plentiful for children. They get to interact with other children, while their parents/guardians/carers are close by. This helps to build the toddlers personal,l social, emotional and developmental l skills.

The group provides a safe and stimulating environment and is also a great stepping stone in preparing children for playgroup or preschool.

What to expect on your first visit?

All parents, carers, guardians, and children will be welcomed by the group leader and site manager/leader, Mrs. Dawn, during the session and introduced to each other during a small group time. The group time will include songs or stories suitable for the age group which may then link to some of the activities being provided.

A program of activities will be in place for the children with birthdays and other seasonal events and parties being organized and celebrated such as autumn festival, Easter egg hunt and much more 

As well as assisting with the children’s activities for the morning, parents can expect the occasional visit from a guest speaker for example a speech and language therapist, public health nurse, child psychologist, etc. 

All adults and children help at “Tidy Up” time. All parents/carers are responsible for their own children, at all times.

As an added bonus, the group also introduces parents to the Nessie English preschool program, presenting the opportunity to meet with the teachers and see the facilities. 

“Parent and toddler groups can be a great social network and can be especially helpful to parents who do not have family support close by,” says Mr. Eyles.