craigdailypress.com

No matter how much mommies love their children, every once in while they need some time with people their own age. Who better to share that time with than other women who understand the challenges of motherhood?

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) offers moms a chance to get together without their children for some relaxation and rejuvenation.

MOPS is an international nonprofit Christian organization, but members can be of any faith. Calgary Baptist Church currently sponsors the Craig chapter of MOPS.

The group of around 25 women meets twice a month for breakfast. Most MOPS are stay-at-home moms, but some have part- or full-time careers.

"It's a great support group," said Craig MOPS coordinator Lauren Pickett, who has a 4-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son. "A lot of (moms) don't get out much, and it's great to hang out with the girls."

Meetings include devotional time, as well as time to just vent about the daily strife of being a mom. Guests speak once a month on topics such as nutrition, finances, marriage, and a monthly craft project is also planned.

"You get great ideas from other moms," Pickett said. "Like potty training -- you learn different ways that worked."

The MOPS children, known as MOPettes, go to fun classes similar to Sunday school while their moms get together. Students from the Moffat County High School Early Childhood Class can also get credit for spending time with the kids when the MOP mom are meeting.

MOPS encourage mothers from mothers-to-be to to moms with children who are Kindergartn age. The MOPS graduate when their MOPettes become first graders.

Pickett said graduation is an emotional time.

"You really build friendships," she said. "If you have a bad day and need someone to call, they are there."

The success of MOPS in Craig has led the group to extend the program to include a Teen MOPS beginning this fall.

"We felt like it was something that was needed here (in Craig), because there seem to be a lot of young moms," said coordinator Erin Horst, who has a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old.

"We want (Teen MOPS) to know they made a good decision. It could have ended another way," she said.

MOPS usually includes a registration fee and monthly dues, but Horst is trying to make Teen MOPS a free service.

"We are hoping it will boost their self esteem, and they'll know they are not alone," she said.

MOPS doesn't officially meet during the summer, but they have gotten together to go to the park or the pool. Regular meetings will resume Sept. 1. Call Lauren Pickett at 824-0101.