Mommy’s time with others

Enjoying a cup of coffee while it’s piping hot.

Having an uninterrupted conversation with an adult.

Actually getting to finish breakfast.

Most folks take these things for granted, but for moms of preschoolers, they are longed-for luxuries.

All over Spokane and Spokane Valley, moms are meeting monthly and enjoying these luxuries through Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS is an international organization designed to meet the needs of women with children from newborn to age 5.

“The best part of MOPS is connecting with other moms who are in the same boat. It’s nice to know you’re not the only one who’s going through potty training,” said Heidi Hash, coordinator of the South Hill Bible Church MOPS.

“MOPS has been a lifeline for me. It’s helped me feel comfortable with my mothering skills,” said Tami Kamp, of the Berean Bible Church group in Spokane Valley.

All MOPS meetings follow the same format. Free child care is provided. The children’s program is called MOPPETS and is staffed by volunteers, usually from the host church. At a recent meeting at Faith Bible Church, 600 W. Cora Ave., JoAnne Henson confidently changed a squirming infant’s diaper in the nursery. The 67-year-old grandmother of five said, “I wish we had MOPS when I was a young mom.”

Across town at South Hill Bible Church, 958 E. 29th Ave., MOPPETS worker Marla Terry has volunteered with the kids for two years.

“It’s a wonderful thing to give mothers a little time to themselves,” she said.

Most MOPS groups provide a buffet breakfast for the moms. After dropping off their children, moms can fill their plates, grab some coffee and visit.

“I love the child care and the food,” said Adrienne Peters at the South Hill group. Peters has 4-month-old twins and a 4-year-old. “Sometimes you need to eat real fast!”

At Faith Bible, Amy Kaeding began a recent meeting by having moms play a spirited game of “Mommy Feud.” Waves of laughter filled the room. At South Hill Bible, Hash started their meeting with this question: “Who here has something yucky on your shirt? Spit-up? Snot?” Those who raised their hands were given tubes of Tide spot remover.

When the group is sufficiently warmed up and well fed, the speaker is announced. Though MOPS is a Christian-based organization, women of all faiths are welcome. The teachings aren’t Bible studies, they’re talks geared to women in this particular time of life. Hash was pleased to note that her group had several Hindu moms attend last year.

Jill Sheffel, a certified personal trainer, was the speaker for the first meeting of the Berean MOPS.

“The whole family suffers when Mom is not in good health,” she said. “We as moms tend to focus on others first and put ourselves last, but everyone in the family benefits when mom is physically active and fit.” She gave a brief Pilates class and got the moms moving.

At Faith Bible Church, women were encouraged to discover their uniqueness, as Rebecca Stuhlmiller taught on the topic of identity.

Stephanie Orr spoke on “Discovering Your Fashion Style” at the South Hill group. “It’s a topic every mom can relate to,” she said. She led them through a series of entertaining questions to help them find their individual style.

Conversation buzzed around each table as moms talked about what they’d just learned during the discussion group time.

“I really enjoy the company,” said Melissa Crumley at Faith Bible.

The meeting ended with a craft time. What’s so important about this activity?

“Women like to do things with their hands and visit at the same time,” said Susie Pearson at South Hill Bible

“I love being able to start and finish something,” added Christie Carlson. Crafts tend to be uncomplicated like beaded bracelets or flower pens. For moms, who may feel like the only thing they accomplished that day was folding a pile of laundry, making something pretty goes a long way to helping them feel good about themselves.

Each MOPS group has Mentor Moms – moms who survived this stage of parenting and are on hand to offer hope and encouragement. Dana Kingsley is a Mentor Mom for the Berean group. She said of her parenting, “I didn’t do it all right, but I got to the other side.” Sometimes that’s all moms need to know.

MOPS is not just for at-home moms. Many groups offer evening meetings so those who work outside the home can go and enjoy support and fellowship.

Angie Weaver at Faith Bible said moms with young children often feel isolated and alone.

“MOPS is a lifeline for frazzled moms.”