MOPS Helps Moms Cope

It has been said many times that motherhood is the hardest job in the world, but for the ladies who are members of the local Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS) chapter, motherhood has many advantages.

According to Lisa Noble, coordinator of the MOPS group that meets monthly at the Church of the Nazarene on Meadow Creek Road, MOPS is more than just a "mommy club." MOPS is an international organization that helps mothers of pre-school children navigate those demanding early years of childhood with grace, dignity and humor.

Some Mops Moms And Moppets (Kids) Gathered Over The Summer For A Weekly Book Club/Bible Study.

"Most mothers of pre-schoolers usually run on empty most of the time," said Lisa. "MOPS offers different activities geared specifically for mothers with young children at home such as a book club, a bible study group and self-growth classes on issues such as communication and coping mechanisms."

Although MOPS is faith-based, it's non-denominational. It is a positive, fun gathering of ladies which supports and nurtures those who nurture their families. Supervised childcare is available for the "Moppets" to go outside and play together while the moms congregate inside for their own adult time.

Each month, the mothers gather for breakfast, a speaker, discussions and a craft. The speakers may include marriage counselors, accountants or experts on domestic violence while other months may feature such topics as correct bra fittings, yoga, child discipline or household organization. The "Mom Empowerment" times are smaller discussion groups where the ladies can do some personal sharing.

One of the fun things that MOPS does is recognize the aspects of motherhood that usually are not honored in our culture, so at each MOPS meeting, prizes are given out for "winners" in categories such as who got the least amount of sleep and who has the youngest child. There is also a gift given to moms who have just had a baby.

Kayla Scott commented, "This is my second year in MOPS. A friend invited me. It's a nice break away from my kids and has helped me find a larger community outside my church friends to connect with other people who are at the same life stage I am. Because of MOPS, I'm not quite so lonely as a stay-at-home mom. This group is good for pregnant and nursing mothers who haven't had a lot of support and encourages them to do what they think is right."

Liz Rosiers agreed with Kayla.

"I've been attending MOPS for a couple of months," she said. "One of my friends from church told me about it. I have three children ages seven, one and a half and four months. Meeting new people, getting out and socializing with people that you have something in common with really helps."

In addition to the camaraderie that the MOPS moms feel, there are also the MOPS mentors, mothers of older children who have already gone through the early childhood years and can offer their wisdom and experience to the younger moms.

One of the MOPS mentors, Kristy Kellogg commented, "As a mentor, I'm here to support the moms with what they're going through. I'm the 'been there, done that' mom."

Mentor Cindi Meinhold added, "MOPS is a time to be encouraged, uplifted, nurtured and to be given nuggets of wisdom. The mentors and speakers help the moms recognize that they are not alone. There are people who relate to them, which gives them a sense that "they're not going crazy." The socialization between the moms is so very important."

The first MOPS meeting of the season will be on Thursday, September 17 from 8:30am to 11am at the Bonners Ferry Church of the Nazarene and is open to any mother of pre-school children. Supervised childcare is available.

Call Lisa Noble at 267-1964 for questions or visit www.mops.org for more information.