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THE REASON: ‘MOTHERING MATTERS’

Bedford Now - 2/22/2018

LAMBERTVILLE — If you are a mother with young children who are cared for at home, it can be hard to meet other families who are in the same circumstances.

That’s the idea behind Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), an organization that started in 1973 in Colorado to build friendships and encourage the idea that “mothering matters.” It’s now an international network that keeps to the example set in the first meeting: a time for moms to meet, talk and do activities together, with child care provided as appropriate for activities.

Now there’s a chapter in Lambertville.

Lisa England, whose husband, Patrick, is pastor of Lambertville United Methodist Church on Douglas Road, said she noticed when her family moved to the area that those with young children seemed to be secluded and isolated. During the occasions when she took care of her grandchild, she would sit among the families who spent time at McDonald’s, letting the children play at the indoor playground while caretakers watched.

She rememberd there was a MOPS chapter at their previous church. So she contacted the organization to find out how to start one in Bedford.

As part of its sponsorship, Lambertville United Methodist paid for the chapter’s charter fee and provides volunteer child care during meetings at the church. The mothers’ membership fee pays for their individual books and calendars.

The plan was to have Lambertville MOPS meet twice a month at the church where the moms could talk and the children play or enjoy a craft. In the meantime, they plan community outings such as a trip to Toledo Museum of Art that they can enjoy together.

The organizational open house took place in September. It got off to a great start. By January, there were 11 mothers and usually from 15 to 18 children participating.

All of them live in Bedford Township, grew up there or have family in the area. The mother’s age doesn’t matter, neither does the fact whether the little one is the family’s oldest child or youngest. The fact there is a preschool child in the family is what brings them together; they share the same circumstances in life.

Although only a couple of women knew each other already, the members already cherish the connections and said they hope to stay friends even when their children are older.

“You feel isolated as a mom sometimes,” said Tiffany Garcia of Temperance.

Now there’s no reason to be isolated. Victoria Dougherty of Lambertville said as the the time and dates go on the calendar, they know there’s an appointment to get together.

And here’s an example of how they support each other. Krissy Kisov of Temperance said her son has a peanut allergy. As soon as she told the MOPS members about the situation, they were understanding and planned snacks around foods her child can eat.

Dougherty said they also are mindful about children who are ill and try not to pass any ailments around.

How to get involved

Meetings are twice a month, usually from 9 to 11 a.m. first and third Thursdays, at Lambertville United Methodist Church. For information, look for “Lambertville MOPS” on Facebook.