Review: Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs)

Last spring I was talking to a friend, "You should try MOPs," she said. I had heard of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) before, but I never really knew what they did or if I would enjoy being a part of their meetings.

I was desperate for a chance to get out of the house and do SOMETHING, so I called the church in town that held the MOPs meetings and gave them a call. Alas, they were about to break for the summer, but I was told the meetings started up again in the fall.

The third week of September last fall I found myself in a room full of other moms. My two children were safely tucked away in age-appropriate rooms with experienced grandmothers playing with and supervising them. The room I was in was full of several round tables where mothers gathered over a light brunch and cups of coffee and tea. I knew only a couple of women there and I wasn't anywhere near them, so I was a little nervous. Pretty soon the meeting was in full swing. It started with recognizing women who had birthdays or new pregnancies to announce. First time visitors, to my delight, were given a gift and then forced to introduce themselves, to my displeasure. After introductions and announcements of upcoming Mom's Night Out activities we watched a short video. It hilariously accounted the life of a stay at home mom who used to be in the corporate world. Boy could I relate to her! All of us laughed and commented to each other about the truthfulness of the video, I think we could all strongly identify with it. Next we had a speaker who talked about how moms need to form an identity for themselves outside of their children. At first I thought the idea was almost heretical, but soon I started to agree and see that my individuality had pretty much been absorbed into my adorable children. Next it was time to break up into small groups for discussion. The two hour meeting closed with a craft project. I was hooked!

Mothers of Preschoolers exists to network and support mothers of children 0-6 years old. Both working moms as well as stay at home moms are welcome. MOPs is a Christian organization and women are encouraged to discuss their faith. Many of the materials are also Biblically based. MOPs typically holds bimonthly meetings on a weekday morning. Child care as well as a light brunch is provided. The cost for attending is a $55 fee for the entire year (September-May) and includes a book, or you can pay approximately a $3 per meeting. The fees vary by location. Each week the speaker varies, but is always an expert on his or her topic. I have heard doctors discuss feminine health and nutritionists discuss nutrition, for example. The small groups are a great opportunity to get to know other moms and form friendships outside of MOPs. There is also a craft at the end of each meeting. So far we have made magnets, ranch dressing and cards.

MOPs is a great opportunity to get out of the house, meet other moms and educate yourself. Look up your local chapter of MOPs and get involved!