‘POSITIVE, FUN AND HELPFUL’
Innovative playgroup helps not just kids but parents, too
ASHBY >> For those interested in learning new ways to enrich your child’s development and nurture curiosity, self- esteem, and independence, the Right Start Playgroup offers a creative approach.
The Playgroup, designedwith children from birth to 3-ish in mind, is an unstructured play for children and camaraderie for parents and caregivers. Facilitated by Denise Lynch, the group meets Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Ashby Free Public Library, located at 812 Main St.
Lynch, a local pediatric occupational therapist, operates a small therapy practice Nashoba Pediatric Therapies, LLC, in Townsend.
She says shewas so impressed with the positive energy coming from Heather Perry, library director of the Ashby Free Public Library, that shewanted to dedicate some of her time to help the library’s program.
“Over time, Heather and I would brainstorm ways to do positive things for the library and the town and came up with the playgroup idea,” said Lynch. “I wanted to do something that would add to the programs Heather was offering at the library, both to support her and to bring something positive, fun, and helpful to our little town.”
Lynch says her goal is to offer parents/caregivers and their childrenaplace to visit andhave fun without some of the challenges that come along with other community-based activities.
For example, Lynch says, there is no expectation for children to sit as they may need to for other activities. Children can come to playwhile allowing parents and caregivers to get to knowotherswho are in a similar situation (caring for little ones).
“I approach the group with the goal of helping both children and adults to feel comfortable and welcome,” Lynch said. “Some kids needmore time and/ or help to engage with others, when I see that, I domy best to help them warm up to interacting with other children.”
Lynch said other children may be too shy to leave their caregiver’s lap, “in those moments I work to get them interested in play in whatever way they can while still feeling safe.”
Some parents may be new to the group, Lynch says that when she sees that she does what she can to help them feel welcome and relaxed until they start to make connections with other parents.
“I also bring something ‘special’ each time to add to the activities available at the library,” Lynch said.
Nashoba Pediatric Therapies currently offers occupational therapy services only, but it is Lynch’s hope to find other therapists to collaborate with in the future “with the goal of bringing more high- quality therapeutic services to our area.”
“I work with a wide variety of children, ages newborn to teenagers, including those with autism and other neurodiversities, those experiencing delays in motor skill development, sensory and self-regulation challenges and executive functioning difficulties,” said Lynch.
Lynch who lives in Ashby, says she loves the small-town feel, “I think it is unfortunate that smaller rural towns don’t always have the benefits that people get in more populated areas — and that is why I wanted to offer this group so that our town could have something nearby for families to enjoy.
Perry says she is delighted to have Lynch facilitate the Right Start Playgroup.
“It is so important for caregivers of small children to be able to ‘ find their people’ — others who understand what they are going through,” said Perry. “We love that the library can be the place where parents can meet up with each other, and kids can find their first friends.”
Perry also believes that parents often wonder if their little ones are on the right track.
“Denise is available to answer those questions in a stress-free setting,” she said. “We love that Denise has created such a nice group of friendly parents and adorable kids.
“The library is a fantastic place for little ones to play in the winter when it is too cold to go outside,” said Perry. “The library can provide a respite from the winter with different toys, games, and crafts.”
Lynch says that the children have a good time, but even more importantly, the parents and caregivers seem to enjoy the time.
“They express their appreciation for the group, but the reality is that I am not doing much, just being myself and doing what I love to do,” she said. “Working with children and parents is something that I do every day, so bringing that to the library is easy and rewarding for me.”
For more information on the Right Start Playgroup, you are welcome to visit the Ashby Free Public Library at ashbylibrary. org or call 978386- 5377. For more information on Denise Lynch and Nashoba Pediatric Therapies, LLC, visit her website at nashobapediatrictherapies.com.