Blog 07 July 2025

The Toddler Playgroup Is Your Village – Toddler Playgroup parent Hanane speaks out

Imran, Hanane’s son, has been happily attending the Bijenkolonie toddler playgroup in Hilversumse Meent since he was two.

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Children who have never sat in a circle or listened to others are already one step behind at the start of primary school.

From Experience and Instinct

Hanane herself worked for several years in childcare and at a toddler playgroup. When she stopped working and became a full-time mother, she was certain about one thing: “Imran shouldn’t start group 1 with a blank slate. He should already learn what it’s like to play together, wait his turn, and listen to others.”

Imran attends pre-school education at the toddler playgroup four mornings a week. It wasn’t without challenges. “For two years, he was almost always just with me, so it took some getting used to. But after a few weeks, we already saw a difference. He started speaking better, handled ‘no’ more calmly, and stayed engaged longer during activities.”

Playing Together, Learning Together

Educational staff member Ilonka agrees: “Children learn a lot from each other. How others talk, eat, sing… they imitate it. And through the daily structure, they pick up new habits much faster, like drinking from a cup or putting on their jacket independently.”

Hanane recognizes this: “At home, he used a sippy cup. Here, he just gets a regular cup. And suddenly he can do it. The same goes for potty training. Children love to imitate others. That group behavior really works.”

Support for Both Child and Parent

In addition to Imran’s development, Hanane also values the contact with other parents. “Through the toddler playgroup, you get to know each other. At first, it’s a quick chat during drop-off, later maybe during a craft activity or parent event. You build connections.”

She describes it as a place where you can go with parenting questions. “You can really brainstorm here. Not just general tips like at the child health center, but with people who truly know your child. Sometimes, as a parent, you simply don’t notice certain things. Then it’s helpful if someone observes and says: this works for your child.”

Her Advice to Other Parents

“Unsure? Don’t wait until group 1. Honestly: children who start primary school without that experience simply struggle more with everything. Just being able to sit through a circle time makes a difference. And you don’t learn that at home. You learn it here.”

They say for a reason: It takes a village to raise a child. Nowadays, we hardly have that village anymore. But the toddler playgroup is your village.

Want a great start like this for your toddler too?

Come visit the Bijenkolonie toddler playgroup in Hilversumse Meent. Learn, grow, and play together, while having fun!

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