MOPS

Yesterday I attended my first MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting at Chantilly Bible Church. I reached out to my friend Meredith a few weeks ago, who is a SAHM mom of 3 girls, for ideas of fun things to do while being a SAHM. She has been attending MOPS for awhile now and had great things to say so I decided to try it out. MOPS is designed to nurture moms (SAHM and working) with children from infancy through kindergarten. There are about 40 women at each meeting and the atmosphere is very relaxed, fun, and inviting. Each meeting has a different topic with a guest speaker, question and answer session, and craft idea for your kids. This weeks topic was discipline. Oh Lord the word just gives me anxiety. I can't imagine having to be tough on my little angel. It will be hard and the ladies gave great ideas on what has worked and not worked for them. It's always nice to have a back up plan when plan A isn't getting the job done. I don't think we will be overly strict, but we sure don't want the bratty kid on the block. As Austin's personalty continues to shape we will have to figure out what works best for him. Future meeting topics are photographing your child, taking time for mommy, and kid friendly food ideas. This weeks craft idea was a tin of games for long car rides. There are 3 laminated cards that you can attach to the tin with magnets and then use a dry erase marker to play again and again. The three games were tic tac toe, sign bingo, and find my abc's. Obviously the little man is too young for markers so I will keep all of these ideas stashed away for awhile. Another plus of MOPS is that they have the MOPPET program. The MOPPET program is for the little ones while the moms are in the meeting. They have an interactive program for the kids based on their age. It is a great way for them to stay entertained and play with kids their age at the same time. As of right now the MOPPET program is full, but they said that a spot should open up soon. I can't wait for Austin to meet the little MOPPETS.
Now that I am not working I think it is still important to keep a good network. I look forward to going to more meetings and expanding my group of lady friends. I will be sure to keep you all updated with any new cool ideas that I come across at the meetings!