Mothers' Day Out: This Program Will Help You and Your Kids in One Fell Swoop

If you are a parent, then you have probably heard of the Mothers' Day Out program. It is usually for children between two and four years of age, and occurs once, twice, or three times per week. Churches are usually the hosts of this program, and it typically lasts from around nine o'clock in the morning until two or three in the afternoon.

When Mothers' Day Out first began, it was meant as a kind of baby-sitting service for stay-at-home mom's who needed a break during the day to run errands and take time for themselves. Teenagers and young adults ran the program, and essentially just made sure that the children didn't hurt themselves for several hours. There was no real structure to the program; no curriculum or schedule of events.

Now, things have changed. Most Mothers' Day Out programs are used as a preparation for childrens' first year of school. They plan field trips, schedule projects, and learn essential skills for your child's development. They sing songs, do simple arts and crafts, and most even have an end-of-the-year program when the students learn a play or musical. It is a great way for your child to learn social skills and discipline before they head off to kindergarten.

Many children have problems during their first year of school getting used to teachers, other students, organized projects, and - of course - naptime. They don't understand why their parents have suddenly abandoned them at this unfamiliar place for several hours a day, and why they are told to listen to someone they don't know rather than Mommy or Daddy.

You can avoid this traumatic experience by enrolling them in a program like Mothers' Day Out. Let them get used to a new environment and interacting with children their age before sending them off to school. If they have problems, their teachers - who are often educated and degreed, by the way - are trained to deal with children who are confused and upset. They are sympathetic to new parents who are also scared about leaving their children at a new place, and will sometimes let parents sit in on class for a few days to allow everyone to adjust.

They also usually have the same schedule as the local school system, which means that their breaks and off days will correspond with those of older children who are already in school. This makes it easier to plan vacations and activities without having to pull your toddler out of Mothers' Day Out.

If you are concerned about the cost of Mothers' Day Out, call around to area churches and community centers. Ask about rates and possibly scholarship programs. Since this has become an extremely popular program, classes usually fill up quickly, so it may be difficult to get your child enrolled in the middle of a semester. You should also consider transportation, since buses do not run for Mothers' Day Out. If you have a nanny or a regular baby-sitter, make sure that he or she is authorized to pick your child up from Mothers' Day Out, as they are usually rather strict about that particular policy.

Give your child an opportunity to develop the social and learning skills necessary for the start of school. Enroll him or her in Mothers' Day Out, and see how quickly they become accustomed to school and class. Not to mention, they can also meet friends who will later join them in kindergarten.