Honest questions about co-ops

[Anonymous]

1. Do co-ops tend to be more clique-y?

2. Are they better for outgoing parents?

I want to look into the possibility of placing DD in a co-op program but I don't tend to make friends easily (I have very nerdy interests) and can be pretty shy (I could use to grow a pair - not very assertive). I don't want to let my own social awkwardness be the reason to avoid a co-op but I also want to know what to expect.

[Anonymous]

They are but it's not a big deal if you aren't. Most people are friendly at ours but I do not like that some parent on their day only attend to their kids like for diapers and other stuff.

[Anonymous]

Our co-op was a really friendly place, with a mix of outgoing and more introverted parents. For me, as an introvert, it was a great way to meet a bunch of people because we had shared interests--our kids and the co-op itself, for which we shared responsibility.

That said, I'm sure that the friendliness varies by co-op, and even by year, so it's worth trying to find out about the particular co-op and meet some current parents.

[Anonymous]

Isn't that the perfect reason for you to do a co-op? DD is starting a co-op in the fall so I don't know the dynamic yet. I'm very outgoing but don't have a lot of "mom friends" so I'm excited about it. I think it would be a great way for people like you and I to meet and have an instant common ground.

[Anonymous]

Ours was a very friendly atmosphere. Our class had an informal play group that met outside of class that was set up by the parents. In my experience, it was easier to get to know other parents in the co-op compared to our former full-time daycare.

[Anonymous]

My DH is a stay-at-home dad so he did the co-oping. He's not outgoing but felt welcome and we now have good friends there.

I don't think ours is clique-y anymore than that you tend to just get along better with some people than with others. We're all nice to each other and there are lots of family events that are well attended. We socialize with a few families outside of school events.

[Anonymous]

DH is a stay-at-home dad so he's the primary co-oper. He is not outgoing but felt welcome and has made some good friends (mostly with other moms).

I don't think ours is clique-y. I mean, everyone tends to get along with some people more than others, but we are all nice to each other. There are lots of family events that are well attended. People seem to make friends mostly with parents of kids in their own classes because that's who you see when you're co-oping.

I agree with the comment that it is easier to get to know other people at a co-op - this would actually make it a plus, in my mind, for an introvert. You don't have to put yourself too far out there to get to know people.

[Anonymous]

Ooops ... sorry for the double post.