The final hurdle in the single-dad gauntlet was the playgroup. In reality I was actually looking forward to this and had taken the day off to accompany our little tyke to his class at the “Murray Hill Wee Ones Club”. I wish I had a clubhouse. Having never really attended the session before, I had no idea what was coming, but I had heard that it was quite a romp and the Z-Unit really gets a kick out of it, and off we went.

I should have known something from the response I got from Zuba-duba the moment we got in the door of the play space. The 5-minute stroller ride bored him to near slumber, but as soon as he heard the teacher’s sweet singing voice, and the sounds of the ball pit warriors, the stroller belts could barely hold him in. So, I guess he does like something about this place.

I walked into the room, and felt immediately like the only man who has ever set foot in the place. There was a slightly palpable sense of shock and I suddenly was concerned that I hadn’t checked my make-up before I left. My concerns were allayed by the quick, welcomes from the surprising number of mothers who attend this class with their children (I thought it would be nannies for the most part).

“Look it’s a giant Zubin!”

They all introduced themselves and more interestingly, they all gave Zubin a hug, kiss, tickle and tossed him up and down. He looked like a miniature Hugh Hefner getting fought over by a gang of women with nothing but a cheeky grin. I couldn’t be prouder. I was initially a bit tentative with their kids, but got more comfortable as I got to know them. I suppose this is the modern day communal parenting model, but I still prefer my kid. The class was great, and Z was on auto-pilot the whole time. He knows which songs and activities he likes, and just went off and hung out with the teacher or did some other kid thing.

This left me an opportunity meet the moms. Now I was Hugh Hefner. We had a few stay at home moms and a few that work in the city. One who lived in NJ and put her kid in daycare near her office. My Hugh Hefner experience was not as complete with the hugs and kisses, but it was a pleasure to speak with adults, while the kids were right around, totally safe and fully entertained. They helped me to get Zubin ready to leave, and Kara our instructor said it was nice to have a guy around for variety. This was met with agreement and inquiries and requests for my next appearance with the Z-bomb. Now I know why he loves the play club so much…He’s not only a client, he’s the playa “club” president.