Being the mother of a preschooler is tough job these days especially for a working parent.
That’s why Christ the King Church in Oxford has a local Mothers of Preschools (MOPS) group that meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month during the school year.
‘MOPS is a really great organization,? said local coordinator Laura Deck, of Oxford. ‘It’s all about supporting mothers of preschoolers, which I think is a really important stage (in childhood development).?
MOPS, which is part of a larger international, nonprofit Christian organization, offers its members education, support, friendship and socialization.
Consisting of 22 members, the local MOPS chapter at Christ the King provides mothers an intimate, safe and accepting atmosphere to share their successes, failures, questions and concerns so they each realize they’re not alone.
‘I think the group is thriving. It obviously is filling a need,? said Deck, a stay-at-home mom who has three children ages 11, 6 and 3. ‘It seems to be that there’s a need (for mothers) to get together at this point in their life.?
MOPS groups do everything from discuss educational topics that celebrate motherhood and help meet the unique needs and challenges faced by today’s moms to engaging in creative activities that encourage women to experience the sense of accomplishment that comes with trying and finishing new things.
Mentor Mom Peggy Hayward, wife of Pastor Larry Hayward, is there to provide advice and counsel based on her parenting experiences.
Speakers regularly address the group on topics such as parenting, marriage and women’s psychological issues.
‘I try to vary it,? Deck said.
Locally, there are already two MOPS groups that meet during the day at Holy Cross Lutheran in Oxford and Good Shepherd Lutheran in Orion.
Deck feels Christ the King’s nighttime MOPS group offers working mothers the chance to participate in a way that doesn’t conflict with their busy schedules.
‘A large majority of the women in our group work and then come right after work,? she said. ‘They wouldn’t have that opportunity with a day group.?
Despite the harsh winter weather, Deck said the group ‘always had good attendance.?
‘It really doesn’t matter what the weather’s like, they’re going to get there,? she said. ‘I have a nurse that travels all the way from Royal Oak Beaumont straight to the meeting.?
And don’t worry about childcare. During most MOPS meetings, children participate in a program called MOPPETS where they engage in activities in a preschool-like setting.
For Deck, one of the most important aspects of MOPS is the lifelong friendships that are formed.
‘We’re all friends,? she said. ‘We didn’t start out as friends, but we are now.?
In between meetings, MOPS encourages socialization with play dates at McDonald’s and Giggle Beans (in Orion), family swim parties and summer picnics.
Christ the King’s MOPS is even on-line with a private chat room at coolmopsmoms@yahoo.com.
‘You have to be invited to join that,? Deck said.
In this chat room, MOPS members can discuss issues, ask questions and get answers.
For instance, if a child’s sick, there are two nurses and a doctor in MOPS who can offer advice, directions or resources.
It costs $80 annually to belong to MOPS, $20 of which goes to the international organization, which provides the educational curriculum for the local groups via DVDs and books.
Christ the King’s MOPS will be holding a scrap-booking event Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 as a fund-raiser.
The cost is $45 for both days or $25 for Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight and $35 for Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information call Deck at (248) 572-4363.