Morning Out Among Moms

Imagine this, moms: eating a hot breakfast with a group of friends, without constant interruptions from your children. No need to cut up someone else’s food, wipe up spilled milk or sticky hands, no getting up 10 times to fetch something out of the refrigerator.

Just you, your breakfast and good fellowship with a mix of great speakers and fun crafts. Oh, and your kids are lovingly cared for just out of earshot.

Sound like a dream? It’s not.

It’s called MOPS, or Mothers of Preschoolers. It is a group of nearly 100 women who meet twice a month to enjoy the company of each other, as well as have speakers, crafts, fun events and support on how to become a stronger woman, mom and wife.

“Mothering can be very challenging at times,” said Kelli McMahon, co-coordinator for MOPS, hosted by Immanuel Church in Gurnee. Members come from communities throughout the area.

“We can learn from each other’s creative approaches and get the support we need to tackle this enormous mom-job. It’s an encouraging environment where you realize you are not alone,” McMahon said.

Learning From Each Other

MOPS meets two mornings a month during the school year. Children are dropped off in the MOPPETS program, and then moms head upstairs for their meetings.

Moms are assigned to a table of eight to 10 women for the duration of the year. A spread of hot breakfast starts the meetings, along with time to get to know your table-mates. Then it moves to drawings and raffles, dynamic speakers and creative activities.

Topics range from building better friendships to being a more patient mother to smart financial planning. This year’s theme is MomSense: A Strategy for Mothering.

“MomSense builds on one aspect of creating better moms who make a better world by building practical mothering skills,” said McMahon.

Lindsey Aeverman of Grayslake joined MOPS two years ago. “It’s just so wonderful to find real and honest girl friendships," she said. "That’s hard to find.”

Aeverman admits going to her first MOPS meeting was slightly intimidating because she hadn’t experienced positive female relationships in the past. Now she says it has brought such a change to her life.

“It’s been an amazing experience to get to know other moms who are looking for the same support I’m looking for.” Aeverman said, “There is a little bit of everything and something for everyone. I absolutely love it.”

Been There, Done That

Each table also gets the experience of a ‘mentor mom,' a seasoned mom who has ‘been there and done that’ as quoted on the MOPS website.

Betsy Lonchar of Lake Villa joined MOPS as a mentor mom when she retired five years ago.

“What impresses me the most about MOPS is how open everyone is,” said Lonchar. “These girls just let it all hang out and there is no judging. They are so honest and really say what’s on their hearts.”

Lonchar said MOPS does an incredible job of bringing so many women together in a positive way; she doesn’t see the pettiness that can sometimes abound among other groups. “It’s so down to earth and accepting," she said.

While MOPS is held at a church and there are some spiritual references, all religions and backgrounds are welcome.

“If you are a mom, you will fit right in," said McMahon.

“It’s not in-your-face religious," said Aeverman. "It’s just very positive and uplifting. You get out of it what you want to get out of it.”

What About the Kids?

MOPS isn’t just for the moms. Children from newborn up to kindergarten can join the MOPPETS program. Held during the meetings, it serves as a relaxed preschool for young kids, offering playtime, a snack, lesson, singing and crafts.

The children are divided among classrooms according to their age and cared for by paid staff of Immanuel Church. The MOPPETS workers are all screened and consistent among the classrooms.

“The childcare is awesome,” said McMahon.

The children often form a close bond with their MOPPETS ‘teachers’ after getting to know them throughout the year.

Lonchar says this also helps moms feel at ease with coming to MOPS and finding the support they want and the break from mothering they need.

There are several MOPS chapters in the area. To find one closest to you, log on to the MOPS International website.

MOPS at Immanuel Church, located at 2300 N Dilleys Road in Gurnee, meets the first and third Thursday of the month from 9-11 a.m. The first meeting of the school year will be September 1. New members are welcome.