So many of you have asked for information on local moms' groups and play groups and I'm thrilled to be able to introduce you to these four wonderful groups. Whether you are a new parent, a soon-to-be mom, or a mother of 3 like me, at one time or another we all need advice, support, and friendship to help us navigate the roads of parenthood. I hope you find it in one or more of these groups!
Marvelous Mamas
Marvelous Mamas is a fun and laidback group of families living in the BN area. The group was formed to give Mamas a place to connect and make friends for themselves and their children and is open to all Mamas and their families. The majority of the group is stay-at-home moms but they welcome working and work-from-home Mamas too.
Their calendar is a mix of events; some are Mamas-only and some are geared for the kids. Examples of calender events include game nights, pottery painting, heading out to breakfast or dinner, and Book Club every other month. For the kids are some in-home playdates based on crafts, holidays or other activities as well as playdates at local places such as open gyms, public libraries, parks, museums, bowling alleys and more. The Marvelous Mamas also have large family events several times a year that are fun for everyone. Marvelous Mamas is kept going by the wonderful ideas and support from the 50+ members.
Interested in joining? For more information visit http://www.meetup.com/bloomington-normal-marvelous-mamas/. From there you can apply to the group or email the group organizers. Dues are $10 annually in March (prorated throughout the year if you join at another time).
Java Mama's
The Java Mama's are a group of social mamas who want nothing but the best for you and your child. In this group you will find support, advice, chit-chat, fun and most importantly friendship for both you and your child.
The Java Mama's calendar offers playdates, coffee dates, Book Club every month, breakfast or lunch dates, girls' nights out and girls' nights in. Members often open their homes for themed playdates that include crafts or other activities. Other playdates include trips to the park, library visits, story time meetups, outings to the Children's Discovery Museum, open gyms, and much more. Java Mama's host several activities aimed at your whole family as well. Within Java Mama's you will find an eclectic mix of women, all with different advice and opinions, who in the end mesh together to make one amazing group you will come back to, for support and great conversations, usually over a cup of coffee. Any mom is welcome to join, and you don't have to like coffee, just coffee talk!
Interested in joining? Visit http://www.meetup.com/JavaMama-s/ for information on how to join.
MOPS
For over 40 years moms have found community through MOPS. MOPS stands for ʺMothers of Preschoolersʺ (and preschool means prior to school, ages 0-kindergarden). MOPS welcomes any mom that has at least one child age 0-Kindergarten. By joining MOPS you will find friendship, community, resources and support for you as a woman and mother. MOPS is about celebrating motherhood, meeting needs, making connections, authentic community, personal growth, and spiritual hope.
The MOPS group has a DVD curriculum educating moms about their important role of motherhood. MOPS members meet for brunch each week, do crafts, welcome guest speakers, talk and have fun. This year's theme is Momology: The Art and Science of Mothering and moms are invited to join MOPS as they bridge the gap between art and science and support each other in the effort to shape healthy and resilient kids. This curriculum is designed to challenge and encourage you.
Interested in joining? Email MOPS at mopsbn@yahoo.com or visit the local MOPS website at http://www.efreebn.org/womens_ministry/article202579.htm for more information. You can also visit the international website at www.mops.org. Optional MOPS international member fee is $25 per year and include a one-year subscription to Momsense Magazine, weekly email messages and the book by Shelly Radic "Momology: A Mother's Guide to Shaping Great Kids". Childcare fees are $5/week for first child and an additional $1/week for every additional child. On occasion there are added member dues/fees to help cover speakers, crafts, supplies, etc.
The Bloomington Attachment Parenting Meetup Group
The Bloomington Attachment Parenting Meetup Group are families in Bloomington-Normal whose goal is to provide support and encouragement to each other while practicing attachment parenting as a move towards better living. This group seeks to build relationships between similarly minded parents through online support and local activities. Parents will have the opportunity to share attachment parenting values and experience growth in their own lives as well as in the lives of their children. Each member has unique input into the group and learn from one another while maintaining an atmosphere of encouragement void of judgment. Each family seeks to make the decisions that are best for their family. Parents in this group will often advocate baby wearing, bodily integrity, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, co-sleeping, gentle discipline, natural health, and respect for all persons.
The online forum is an important aspect of the Bloomington Attachment Parenting Meetup Group as it allows members to freely ask questions about the areas of parenting that interest them without having to defend their choices. On the forum you can get information from others who share your similar values. This is not a high social interaction group, but the group occasionally have play dates for the children or coffee dates for the mothers, as well as meetups at area community events when possible.
Interested in joining? Visit http://www.meetup.com/attachmentparenting-316/ for more information. Membership dues are $3 a year and cover the cost of the meetup group.
All group information included has been provided by the group organizers. For more information about any of these groups please visit their respective websites.
