MOPS - Moms of Preschoolers

A friend invited me to the local Mops meeting today. And I'm so glad she did! From mops.org MOPS groups are communities that strive to meet the needs of every mom with children from birth through kindergarten. MOPS recognizes that urban, suburban, and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single, and married moms all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be. MOPS groups are chartered through local faith-based organizations, including churches and parachurch ministries. 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.

Faith Statement - MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ. Today was the first day of Mops this year (they run on a typical school schedule October - May). Our group meets every other Friday morning at a local church. There are about 50 members in our group - and I can't wait to get to know everyone!