Ida, check out La Leche League meetings, not so much a mom's group but an invaluable source of knowledge and information - not only on breastfeeding. You don't have to wait till baby is born to attend meetings.
http://www.lllofjerseycity.org/

Hi Ida
My 2 cents is that you should consider joining the JC moms meetup group. I can tell you that it's been a fantastic resource for me and my family. There really are very few rules and most are common sense and entirely fair for a group its size (600-700 members). Since I'm not a SAHM, I don't get out to that many events but I find the ones I do attend on weekends or the ones I am interested in, partners/families are welcome. I also like that the group is diverse and usually I can find different perspectives on the discussion board. Honestly, I would probably like it even better if it were more diverse and inclusive of partners, single parents, non-traditional families, etc...but it is what it is. I'd say in particular, the first year was invaluable. Hope that helps.

I know this thread is long dead, but here it goes...

I'm pregnant with my first child and would love to have access to a group of people going through similar experiences (especially for the opportunity to perhaps buy their used baby stuff). The activity requirement and the dues seem reasonable. What I don't like though is that this seems to be a mommy group rather than a parent group. Are there fathers involved/allowed?

Thanks for this information! I will definitely look them up and join.Quote:

Too funny! Ah have times changed for sure. A group of Moms where they have to pay money to socialize. When I was a kid we (all the kids in the neighborhood) just played together and that's how our Moms met each other. As with almost everything else in this modern life things have gotten so complicated! Sad! Now all you so called 'modern-age' Moms post back now and blast me for making this very simple observation.

check out - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JerseyCityFamilyInitiative/

12+ year old group of progressive families (education, health, nutrition, family life) in Jersey City for the "long haul". Initial focus was making JC more family friendly and there are fewer activities now as was early on. some families are now sending their children off to college while new families are joining in.

I was a member for a very short time, and didn't feel the group was for me.

Anyone interested in forming another group? I'm sure JC Moms will have the monopoly, but perhaps there's oom for more than one group.

The 60 day rule is fairly easy to adhere to when you have a newborn. For that age, it's just coffee dates and tummy time in the park. It does get harder when you have two kids, but it's do-able. I've met some nice moms through the group.

JC Moms has been amazing. I have met a group of people who have now become like family here in JC and I can't imagine living here without this fantastic group. I have been an active member for almost two years now and my son has a great group of friends.
The message board is an incredible resource and it is very civil with people asking for advice and lots of support and feedback given / posting useful info / recommendations / tips, etc...

The fee of $25 per year seems pretty low considering all the organizers are volunteer moms and work really hard to make this a successful group and organizing family events. There are over 400 members (moms) mostly from downtown JC and group keeps growing.

From my understanding, there are rules that come up as problems come up, and the group has always stressed it is a "meet up" so yes you are supposed to meet up / attend events at least once every 60 days which anyone can host so if hours and locations on the calendar are not good you can post / host a meet up that suits your schedule. And if you happen to have a specific reason why you are not around for 60 days you can contact the organizers...

Anyway, if you are a new parent to the JC area I would definitely recommend joining!

The long list of officious rules put me off this group:
http://www.meetup.com/jerseycitymoms

Robin.

Quote:

Not surprised the policy has changed since But FOR THE RECORD ...

1) See my Pay Pal transaction. I joined in Sept 2008 and paid the FULL amount of $24.
09/01/2008 Mon PAYPAL *JENLOLLI SAN JOSE CA 0 24.00 402-935-7733


2) in 2009 it was a 30-Day inactivity removal policy & posting requirement.
Sent: Jun 9, 2009 1:28 PM


You have been removed from The Jersey City Moms Meetup.

The person who removed you, Jennifer Harvey, said:
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Organizer has removed you from the group because you
haven't been active in the group.

As stated in our guidelines, those members who do not
participate in the group for more than a 30-day period are
removed as they are considered inactive.

[This is a meetup group. All members must be active. Being active means attending at least one event every thirty days as well as occasionally posting to the message board. Note that simply posting on the message board does not count towards keeping your membership active - attendance is required.]


We hope you enjoyed being a part of Jersey City moms and wish
you and your family the best!

Kindly,
JC Moms

For the record, the JCMoms Meetup requirement is to attend 1 event every 60 days, and if you can't do so to advise the organizers. I am a busy working mom and I more than meet the requirement. I appreciate the rule because it discourages lurking and prevents the group from being too clique-ish or dominated by a handful of moms. There is no requirement re: online posting and the annual dues are $25, prorated if you join later in the year. The group has really helped me make friends and has made raising my now 8 month old daughter so much easier and more enjoyable than if I hadn't joined. It's not for everybody, nothing is, but for me it has been a lifesaver.

Hi mom of 2.5 month old. Do drop me an email at hsnarulla@yahoo.com and I'll put you in touch with my wife.

JC Parenting has some terrific groups that meet weekly for new moms; they also offer playgroup opportunities for toddlers. I have been part of their program since my daughter was 5 months old and we love it.
http://www.jcparenting.com

With a three month old, it's more like a playdate for Mom, no? And that's a good thing.

Hi ,
I am also a new mom to a 2 1/2 month old and would love to meet another mom in the area . I live near Grove street .

There is a Jersey City Mom's meetup group that meets regularly. If you search on Meetup.com you will be able to find it. The annual dues will run you $25-$30 to be part of this meetup.

NOTE: MAKE SURE she is ultra serious and committed to meeting up several times a month and making suggestions/comments on the meetup board every month. If for any 30-DAY period she does not adhere to this strict guideline she will immediately be booted off the meetup group without warning or chance to explain her circumstances on why she has been inactive. Her annual dues will not be refunded.

Hi,
Does anyone know of a new/ mom's group downtown? My wife just had a baby 3 months ago, and I know she would appreciate hanging out with some fellow moms and to arrange for some playdates for our kid. We live in the Van Vorst Park area.

Thanks,