So, what is this whole "MOPS" thing?
"What MOPS has provided for me is a welcome break; a chance to make new
friends; the opportunity to know I'm not the only mom who goes through the struggles and joys of raising young children!" -Alice B.
MOPS stands for "Mothers of Preschoolers" - but don't let that confuse you. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten with local groups of moms just like you. Whether you're urban, suburban, rural, stay-at-home, working, teen, adoptive, special-needs, single or married, MOPS is for you!
Being moms is what brings us together and allows us to build a community, and a MOPS group allows you to meet and build friendships with moms in your local community. The early years of being a mom are just as foundational to you as they are to your baby, and those years are filled with unique needs that other moms instinctively understand.
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Each MOPS group adapts to fit the size and "personality" of the group's population. For example…
MOPS groups may vary in size from 10 to 200 women.While each group is different, the MOPS program is built on several foundational principles:
Community: MOPS provides an open, caring, and accepting atmosphere where women can come together to share this important season of life.
Mentoring: Mature women listen, encourage, and offer information and perspectives gained through experience.
Practical Instruction: Teaching focuses on areas of common interest, offering inspiration and information that is relevant to the life of a mother.
Leadership Development: MOPS groups are organized and run by mothers of preschoolers, as well as for mothers of preschoolers. Women who are involved in MOPS gain confidence in their leadership skills through the training and experience they receive from MOPS.The above principles can be carried out through different aspects of a MOPS group:
Discussion: The intimate and accepting atmosphere of a small group offers moms a chance to share their successes, failures, questions, and concerns. It is during these times that a mom realizes that she is not alone, and lifelong friendships are formed.
Teaching: Topics presented at MOPS meetings celebrate motherhood and meet a mom's unique needs during this season of life.
Creative Activities: Through creative projects and presentations, women are encouraged to experience the sense of accomplishment that comes with trying and finishing new things.
MOPPETS: During most MOPS meetings, children are cared for in a program called MOPPETS, where they experience love in a preschool-like setting.
Info from www.mops.org
