Do you live in Germany but aren’t German? Are you torn between wanting to integrate in your new community, but feeling the language barrier is still too high for you to actively join and enjoy baby or toddler activities in German? Do you simply want to be in English-speaking environment so you can just relax and enjoy the activity with your baby or little one, and socialise easily and naturally with the other mums and dads without there being any communication issues? I understand! When my children (who are now 8 & 4) were born, we had just moved from Frankfurt to Oberursel, so I didn’t have much of a friendship network locally, despite being lucky enough to speak fluent German. I actively sought out some English-speaking groups and classes in English – for their benefit and mine! We are a bilingual family, so I wanted to make sure my children felt that English was “normal” and not just something they hear mummy speaking in an otherwise German world. And I wanted to feel that sense of comfort that speaking your mother tongue – or at least your most fluent foreign language – gives you! At these baby groups and toddler classes in English, I met lots of mums for whom they were a lifeline, as they didn’t speak any German (or at least not much) so were really struggling to get out and socialise at a time in their lives when being around other moms and dads who are experiencing the same things, the same ups and downs, the same insecurities and joys, is so very important.
Groups and meet-ups in English
That is why Nests & Wings offers a variety of groups and meet-ups in English for parents with babies and young children. Because I want to help as many mothers and fathers as possible to have the happiest possible parenting experience here in Germany. Whether you are here on an expat contract or have settled here despite not yet speaking fluent German. (Or even if you do speak good German but just crave an English-speaking environment…with all the warmth and friendliness that entails!) Currently, all of these groups and classes are held in Oberursel – a lovely, child-friendly town in the Taunus at the foot of the Feldberg mountain. We will be expanding soon, so do let me know where you live and maybe we will be able to run a group near you! If you have a young baby, the Mummy & Me mother and baby classes in English are for you! There is a class for 1-6 month olds, and one for 7-12 month olds. For 75 minutes every week, I guide you through the various stages of early parenthood, provide inspiration for fun, stimulating activities you can do with your little one, offer input on challenges you may be facing, and provide invaluable information about life as a parent in Germany. And the best thing? You get to meet other mums with babies of a similar age, who may well become your new mom friends! The lovely ladies at my current Mummy & Me class regularly meet up outside of the group, and are really benefitting from having a new network of friends to share their experiences with.
Every week we get awesome tips and ideas in this group!
Sign up here for the Mummy & Me classes at the Familientreff in Oberursel (Taunus) that start in September! If your child is older, then the English-speaking stay & play Minis & Moms* playgroup plus is just what you need! Mums and dads are welcome with their 1-3-year-old child(ren). As well as providing stimulating play circuits and activities for the children to enjoy which enhance their motor skills, I also introduce them to the German language by looking at books and singing with them. During the free play time at the start of the 90-minute playgroup, I am available to answer your specific questions about any aspect of day-to-day life here in Germany that you need help with (a letter/email you don’t understand, explaining how things work here in Germany, an appointment you need to make, etc.) Message me to join the waiting list for Minis & Moms*, or to tell me where you live so that when I set up another playgroup I can do so in a popular area! Currently, Minis & Moms* is at the Familientreff in Oberursel (Taunus) on Monday mornings. If you can’t make a weekly class / group but would still love to get together with other international families, then the monthly International Breakfast is perfect for you. You start with a delicious brunch (which for just €6 you simply turn up and enjoy…no preparation, no clearing up)! Then you and the other parents can relax in the playroom with your babies, toddlers, and little ones and enjoy a chat while the children explore the toys. Here, too, friendships have been forged and mums and dads have made new friends they have met up with between breakfasts. The next international breakfast is on Friday 14 July from 9.30 – 12 noon at the Familientreff in Oberursel (Taunus) – sign up here! My aim is to help you build the happiest, cosiest nest you can for your family here in Germany, and to help you spread your wings and embrace family life, making the most of the many wonderful opportunities on offer here in the Frankfurt / Taunus region. I would love to hear from you if you have ideas for groups or courses you wish you could find locally in the Oberursel / Kronberg / Bad Soden / Königstein / Bad Homburg / Schmitten / Wehrheim / Frankfurt area.