MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

The first Wednesday of every month during the school year I can be found at my local morning MOPS group. This group is for moms of preschoolers to gather and share experiences, enjoy conversation, savor breakfast, complete a craft and other things in a Christian based atmosphere.

I discovered MOPS through a friend. Julie and I both became stay-at-home moms a month apart following the births of our third children. We were both struggling in our new careers as stay-at-home moms. After working full time for years, the transition is not as easy as one might think. I can tell you that many days I would rather go to work than stay home and do domestic chores all day. I am telling you that it is NO vacation.

Anyway, MOPS came into my life when I needed those ladies the most. One month before I attended my first MOPS meeting I suffered a miscarriage that had left me in a dark and depressed place and I was searching and praying for a way out. That group of ladies gave me a place that once a month I could be Michelle again. From the moment you walk in the door at those meetings you get to be an adult for 2 hours. Childcare is provided for your children. I get to sit down and enjoy breakfast with fellow mothers. I complete a craft all by myself without little hands helping. I watch a video about moms sharing their joys and struggles as they go through life. And lastly, I meet with a small group of ladies to plan nights out, play dates and to share our own personal struggles and triumphs. You might think that you have problems until you attend a meeting and discover that someone else is experiencing those same troubles. I leave these meetings with a whole new outlook on life and believe for a little while that I am good mom again.

If you are a mother of preschoolers you might want to check your area for a MOPS group. MOPS is an international group of moms. This group is not for just for stay-at-home moms like me, but for all mothers.

Take care,
Michelle