Definition of the word playgroup

The term "playgroup" originated in the mid-20th century in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States and the United Kingdom. At that time, social and economic changes were taking place, such as the rise of suburban living and the growing number of mothers entering the workforce. To provide a social outlet for mothers and young children, community centers, churches, and other organizations began organizing group activities, such as playdates, where mothers would bring their infants and toddlers to interact with other children, while the mothers would socialize and build friendships. The term "playgroup" was likely coined to describe these informal social gatherings, where children would engage in play, and parents would engage in conversation, share ideas, and support one another. Today, playgroups have evolved to include various formats, such as online groups, in-home playdates, and structured programs, but the core idea remains the same – providing a space for children to play and for parents to connect.