Parenthood & Play Circle
The Parenthood & Play circle is part parent group and part playgroup - in this circle parents with young children gather weekly to connect, discuss life and parenting, and build friendships and a supportive community. Babies and young children are welcome to come along to play and explore together in a safe and supportive environment.
What makes the Parenthood & Play Circle unique is that it's parent-centered. It can be so uncomfortable trying to catch another parent's eye at music class or standing around awkwardly at a park trying to meet other families. This circle breaks down those barriers and helps parents create the community we all know makes parenting less lonely. Experienced facilitators create a safe space for diving into deep, relevant topics, and parents can show up as their true, imperfect selves. We'll discuss our shifting identities, changing relationships, and more.
In addition to connecting with other parents, you'll have a safe place for your little ones to learn and grow alongside their peers. Parents are welcome to come on your own or bring your babies, toddlers, and young children to play together (and likely take each other's snacks & toys!) during the facilitated sessions.
Pregnant? We'd love to have you in our Pregnancy Circle. Have a new baby? Please join us for a Mamas Circle!
What makes the Parenthood & Play Circle unique is that it's parent-centered. It can be so uncomfortable trying to catch another parent's eye at music class or standing around awkwardly at a park trying to meet other families. This circle breaks down those barriers and helps parents create the community we all know makes parenting less lonely. Experienced facilitators create a safe space for diving into deep, relevant topics, and parents can show up as their true, imperfect selves. We'll discuss our shifting identities, changing relationships, and more.
In addition to connecting with other parents, you'll have a safe place for your little ones to learn and grow alongside their peers. Parents are welcome to come on your own or bring your babies, toddlers, and young children to play together (and likely take each other's snacks & toys!) during the facilitated sessions.
Pregnant? We'd love to have you in our Pregnancy Circle. Have a new baby? Please join us for a Mamas Circle!
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Our circle is so wonderful. I don’t know what I’d do if we weren’t continuing it in the new year. It has been a lifeline of sanity for me for the past couple months. I wish that I had joined a group like this years ago. |
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This is a circle of intimacy, support, humor and honesty. |
Upcoming Parenthood & Play Circles:
Parenthood & Play Circles are scheduled throughout the year. Please complete the form below to indicate your interest and we'll be in touch!
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Location:
Circles are held in-person at Elizabeth's home in Silver Spring, MD near the Sligo Avenue Neighborhood Park. We will be meeting outdoors on a well-ventilated screened-in porch. The exact address will be sent to participants upon registration. There is ample free street parking. We are about 1 mile from both the Silver Spring and Takoma metro stations and there are also busses from each of the stations that stop a block away (the 16 bus from Silver Spring and the 14 bus from Takoma). |
We strive to host circles that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all parents, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
Parenthood & Play Circle FAQ
Who can join?
We welcome ALL parents and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. Parenthood & Play Circles are open to parents with young children. The groups are sometimes age or stage specific but if not they are open to all and are usually a good mix of new and veteran parents - first-time, second-time or parents with many more children are welcome.
How many people will be in my circle? What will they be like?
Each circle will have between 4-8 parents. We're settling into parenting but still have lots of questions, want to parent with consciousness and intention, and be part of a community.
Where do we meet?
We are currently offering circles virtually on zoom and in-person in Silver Spring, MD. Please note, we require adult participants to be fully vaccinated to attend in-person circles.
What do we talk about during the sessions?
In our weekly meetings everyone checks in and then we have a topic each week for discussion - the topics are decided by the group at the beginning of the session. Previous topics have included everything from body image to grandparent relationships, parenting styles, the mental load of parenting, and so much more.
Will I get anything out of this group if I choose to attend virtually?
Yes! You'll get to connect with other parents on a weekly basis from the comfort of your own home. In our current groups some of the parents are meeting up for walks or play dates, others are simply keeping the connections virtual.
What makes the Parenthood & Play Circle different from play groups?
Parenthood & Play Circles are a place for parents to connect in deep and meaningful ways while kids play. Often play groups are child-centered and don't allow for as much connection between the adults present - in this circle the focus is on building friendships, finding and providing support, and building our village. These groups allow parents to connect, explore our shifting identities, go deeper into how to navigate the changing relationships in our lives, and truly share with others who are in it with you.
Why should I join?
Modern-day parenting is exhausting and often incredibly lonely. We're here to bring back essential connections, talk about our under-valued role in society, and really be there for each other.
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
We don't have drop-ins - each week we get to know each other a little better and share the details of our lives and it's not conducive to have parents just come for a session or two. The positive part of this is when everyone commits to the group it creates a really wonderful and supportive place to return to.
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
Due to the session/cohort model there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Full refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to one week ahead of the circle start date. Cancellations between one week and the start of the circle receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after the circle start date.
Can I give the Parenthood & Play Circle as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
Have another question? Please contact us.
We welcome ALL parents and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. Parenthood & Play Circles are open to parents with young children. The groups are sometimes age or stage specific but if not they are open to all and are usually a good mix of new and veteran parents - first-time, second-time or parents with many more children are welcome.
How many people will be in my circle? What will they be like?
Each circle will have between 4-8 parents. We're settling into parenting but still have lots of questions, want to parent with consciousness and intention, and be part of a community.
Where do we meet?
We are currently offering circles virtually on zoom and in-person in Silver Spring, MD. Please note, we require adult participants to be fully vaccinated to attend in-person circles.
What do we talk about during the sessions?
In our weekly meetings everyone checks in and then we have a topic each week for discussion - the topics are decided by the group at the beginning of the session. Previous topics have included everything from body image to grandparent relationships, parenting styles, the mental load of parenting, and so much more.
Will I get anything out of this group if I choose to attend virtually?
Yes! You'll get to connect with other parents on a weekly basis from the comfort of your own home. In our current groups some of the parents are meeting up for walks or play dates, others are simply keeping the connections virtual.
What makes the Parenthood & Play Circle different from play groups?
Parenthood & Play Circles are a place for parents to connect in deep and meaningful ways while kids play. Often play groups are child-centered and don't allow for as much connection between the adults present - in this circle the focus is on building friendships, finding and providing support, and building our village. These groups allow parents to connect, explore our shifting identities, go deeper into how to navigate the changing relationships in our lives, and truly share with others who are in it with you.
Why should I join?
Modern-day parenting is exhausting and often incredibly lonely. We're here to bring back essential connections, talk about our under-valued role in society, and really be there for each other.
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
We don't have drop-ins - each week we get to know each other a little better and share the details of our lives and it's not conducive to have parents just come for a session or two. The positive part of this is when everyone commits to the group it creates a really wonderful and supportive place to return to.
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
Due to the session/cohort model there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Full refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to one week ahead of the circle start date. Cancellations between one week and the start of the circle receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after the circle start date.
Can I give the Parenthood & Play Circle as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
Have another question? Please contact us.