“The most positive impact it has made on my life and of all those that have attended playgroup is the lifelong friendships we have made.”
A decade passes in long and short ways. One remarkable thing through time is the way that people arrive, once strangers, soon becoming deeply interwoven in your life through change and circumstance. This year Grandparents Playgroups in Moonee Valley celebrate their ten-year anniversary. Together they have marked milestones, enjoyed local events, shared life happenings and joys, shared hardships, endured a once in a hundred-year pandemic in the most locked-down city in the world, and- most uniquely and naturally- they have forged relationships of significance. Many new children have been born during this time and the experiences for younger and older have been rewarding.
Based in the inner northwest of Melbourne, the playgroup has welcomed many families, from different walks of life, of varied ages. It is not unusual to have three or four generations sharing the space. Being a grandparent in the year 2022 does by no means classify the cohort in the category of old. That falls well short of the modern, active, engaged, contributing and tech savvy group who airdrop photos to one another and are well up to speed with their children and grandchildren. The precious thing that the grandparents do bequeath to the next generations is their experience and wisdom and the unique aptitude to slow things down and gift their families with their time, attention and care.
The playgroup fills with life experiences, stories, ideas and conversation. Histories and reminiscences are passed on, as are skills such as cooking, sewing, gardening and the records of long-held traditions.
Elizabeth Vescio has been a cornerstone of the playgroup, volunteering her time since the beginning. Over the years, as different families join, she said they have learned more about what is important to each other.
“I find it very interesting learning about the different customs of each family and quite often while the children are playing, the grandparents are discussing making salami, their traditional recipes and exchanging recipes, the list is endless.”
During lockdown, Elizabeth encouraged families to send through their favourite recipes and made a cookbook, knowing that food is important to family and during challenging times, we draw familiarity close.
Elizabeth printed out copies of the cookbook and distributed them to all playgroup members, a keepsake of their community and time together, even while apart.
This type of playgroup, intergenerational, reaches out and extends a hand to those who can sometimes be rushed into a busy swell, or those who are adrift alone. The village of old, where communities mostly lived, shopped and existed in their local area, knowing their neighbours, has grown outward, becoming globalised and fast moving. People readily shop online, work remotely, connect through technology- and yet, what is craved most is companionship, most acutely during the early years. Here at Grandparents Playgroup in Moonee Valley, prioritised first and foremost, is quality time and play time.
The children explore outdoors in a play space where they are encouraged to use their imaginations. They are encouraged to make things, cards and gifts for their parents using arts and crafts. They come together to share songs and morning tea, often sharing something brought from home.
During these seemingly simple mornings, vocabularies develop, interests bloom, moments are shared, motor skills exercised, emotions and feelings valued, behaviours taught and modelled. A sense of connection is established and a sense of belonging, too.
“The grandparents are able to teach the children many skills: being able to socialise and interact with other children, all cultures and all ages, to share, to be able to sit learn and listen, to be creative by making things together, to be honest, confident and caring, to grow things by planting seeds. The list is endless. Spending this time together, away from their parents, creates that special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. This time prepares them to confidently go to kindergarten and school and to respect the older generation and all cultures.”
In many ways, intergenerational playgroups act as a primary prevention measure, due to the ongoing regularity and human contact. The playgroup acts to connect families, it creates purpose, alleviates loneliness, provides familiarity, safety and a sense of belonging. The idiom, it takes a village, rings true.
“The village” is very important within our playgroup. The help and support we offer each other, whether it be at playgroup by keeping an eye out for each other’s grandchildren, or just to offer an ear and listen while we vent. We support each other in times of need, especially during sickness. It is unbelievable the lengths our families go to help each other. It serves us by knowing that we have an extended family within the playgroup community that is always offering to lend a hand when we need one.”
Over the years, the playgroup has been highlighted for its contributions. The local MP has visited and acknowledged the importance of intergenerational relationships in the Victorian Parliament. Members of the playgroup were invited to talk about the value of intergenerational relationships on the episode ‘Granny Nannies’ on the SBS program, Insight. The playgroup was a finalist in the Playgroup of The Year category in 2016. Elizabeth herself was awarded for Contribution to Older Persons at the Spirit of Moonee Valley Community awards, and was invited to attend the Victorian of the Year awards at Government House the same year.
“These are just a few, but my biggest highlight is the thanks and the encouragement to continue I get from all members during their time at playgroup.”
Once more, the prominent feeling here is belonging, across the ages. Shared experiences and shared commitment to the next generation are pillars of Grandparents Playgroups in Moonee Valley and the children, alongside their grandparents, are reaping the rewards.
What started as an informal gathering has bloomed into a community and culture, companionship and care. It continues to bloom.
Elizabeth has enjoyed time with all five of her grandchildren at playgroup and has plans to create a Seniors Group for grandparents for those whose grandchildren are now at school.
Connect with Moonee Valley Grandparents Playgroup: Littlebetty56@hotmail.com
Article by Sinead Halliday