Child care, advice provided for mothers of preschoolers

By Pamela Parks
Advocate correspondent

Meeting other mothers of preschool-age children is the key attraction to a local group called MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers — that meets twice a month at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay. The food, friendship and fun are all bonuses — as well as the child care and kid-friendly activities provided to the children of participants so that they can enjoy a couple of hours on their own.

"The idea is to be a resource and a help so that women can come together and help one another, to make friendships and to get to know each other, as well as to pray with one another and care about our relationship with God," said the local MOPS coordinator, Dena Barganz. This is the international program's third year in Sturgeon Bay.

About two dozen women gather for MOPS every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from October through May.

The women spend time together viewing a DVD that relates to the year's theme — the theme this year is "Life On Planet Mom" — and then break into small groups for discussion. Guest speakers are also part of the program and cover any subject mothers may be interested in, from nutrition to dental care to finances. A craft time also is included.

For mothers who want to join MOPS, $3 is collected at each meeting to cover craft supplies and child-care costs. The international MOPS membership fee is an additional $23.95 and includes a one-year subscription to MomSense magazine.

Children of MOPS participants attend Mop-ettes, a program that on-site child-care providers carry out while the mothers have their time. "The Mop-ettes are divided into age groups and classes with lessons and teachers. The kids have fun and have games to play and lots of interaction," said Barganz.

"MOPS is a time for kids to go be in their own little classroom and for moms to come together to learn and just to be together," said Lori Mellen, MOPS discussion leader. "The idea of connecting with other moms and not having our kids there to distract us because they are being watched by other people is great. We get to sit with other women, watch a video and socialize afterward."

Although the program is intended for mothers with younger children, the program does incorporate women whose children are grown. The local chapter of MOPS has two mentors, Wanda Mango and Mary Arnold. They are there to provide the younger mothers with a resource and to answer any questions they can.

"We value older women and their experience," Barganz said. "They have gone before us and can offer us a lot. They have wisdom to pass on.

"Being a mother of small children can be difficult, or people may not be sure what to do — especially if they are a new mom."

The group has provided many area mothers who were new to the community with a network of friends.

"I was new to Sturgeon Bay and didn't know a lot of people with kids the same age as me, and that was important to me," said Wendy Kraemer. "It is a lot of fun, and the moms are really friendly and encouraging. It has been really good to be able to connect with other people in the community."

Barganz said joining MOPS is a good way to network — "to develop friends, emergency contacts, a support system."

"We want to recognize that we are all women and mothers and encourage those relationships. All are welcome. It is for every mom."