(back)

With proliferation of moms' clubs, every day can be Mother's Day

By Melissa Hirschl

On my 2003 calendar, Mother’s Day shows up as Sunday, May 11. I can hardly wait. The kids promise breakfast in bed, and I’m hoping for something simple, like instant oatmeal. Last year’s Denver omelet begged a little less Denver and a little more time in the skillet, but it was proof positive that being a mom isn’t so bad, after all.

The wild ride of parenting can be exhilarating one day and tumultuous the next. Without a firm foundation of friendship and encouragement, that ride can easily become a white-knuckle experience.

Thanks to a liberal sprinkling of moms’ clubs in the Kyrene Corridor, no mom has to go solo when entering the parenting arena.

There are a number of groups that offer camaraderie, advice, art activities, speakers, moms nights out and playgroups for the kids.

Here’s a list of three groups with unique and, in some cases, overlapping qualities for mothers of children kindergarten age and under.

MOMS: Making our Mothering Special (Infants to pre-K)

This lively group of mothers meets weekly to enjoy meeting new friends, hearing a speaker on a MOMS topic, making a craft and sharing ideas for building their homes.

The group is an outreach project of Arizona Community Church (9325 S. Rural Road, Tempe) and meets once a month from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays. Church membership is not required.

There’s a $15 registration fee, and a $5 weekly donation is suggested to help support the ministry. The children’s program, Kids Club, provides enriching child care during the meetings.

“We want to reach out to young moms in our community, as well as establish an atmosphere where it’s easy to make friends and socialize,” says Jodi Meiter, founder of the local group.

“We also want to provide support for moms who might not ordinarily know where to find it.”

The group, which is in its first year, provides refreshments, door prizes, speakers, holiday family parties, crafts and speakers on a variety of parenting topics.

Topics this year have included why mothering matters, your child’s self esteem and personality, what every child needs (affirmations, belonging, discipline, guidance, respect, play, independence and hope), women’s health and how to bring spirituality to your child.

“This is a much needed ministry because moms get together to connect,” says Kathy Meyer, director of women’s ministries at the church.

“They get to realize they’re not the only one in the same situation, and there’s a definite bonding that takes place. Plus, it’s great because the kids get to know each other and grow up with each other.”

Information: Jodi Meiter, (480) 777-3933.

Desert Sky Mothers of Multiples--(Any age)

This “multiples” organization is aimed at moms of “double trouble” or more. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. onthe third Thursday of the month, (also at the Arizona Community Church).

One of seven chapters in the Valley, Desert Sky is part of a national organization that provides support, information and the sharing of experiences on the care and raising of twins or more. Dues are $30 a year.

“I got involved with this group when I was on bed rest with my twins,” says Stacie Grooters, the group’s ways and means chairperson.

“I received lots of support during that time. Things get very busy and crazy after the baby comes, so it’s great to have support before.”

Desert Sky provides lifelines for mothers of multiples: books, resource information, large/small play groups, holiday parties (Halloween, Christmas, pool parties, spring picnics), moms nights out, birthday dinners, social events, speakers and opportunities for philanthropy.

Every month the group contributes diapers, medicine and clothes to a local women’s shelter.

“The group has been an incredible resource and gift for me,” says Grooters.

“You meet moms going through the same experience, and you discuss challenges you encounter. Mothers of more than one have specific issues, such as breastfeeding schedules, what to buy and not buy two of, co-sleeping with twins and twins sharing cribs, for example.”

Another valuable aspect of Desert Sky is its “twin panels”–a pair of older twins, from 18 years to adult, who answer members’ questions, such as:

Should twins get separate birthday cakes?

Should they be kept in the same classroom?

When should they get their own bedroom?

And, of course, the age old question: should they be dressed alike?

For more information on Desert Sky Mothers of Multiples, contact Stacy Grogers at (480) 705-4453.

Mothers and More (infants to teens)

Arizona Community Church hosts yet one other valuable club, Mothers and More, a non-profit group that boasts 7,500 members nationwide.

This 75 member “mom-friendly” group meets the first and third Mondays of the month, from 7-9 p.m. in Building C.

Children are not present at the meetings, but nursing mothers can bring their babies up to three months. Dues are $45 a year and include a bi-monthly magazine.

Although the club initially was envisioned for women who altered their career paths to spend time with their children, it is now open to moms from all backgrounds.

“The bulk of members,” says Lisa Pappalardo, co-leader, “are stay-at-home moms who were previously working; we’ve got moms of infants as well as moms of teens who attend.”

According to Pappalardo, the first half-hour of the meeting is spent on business--upcoming events for the month.

Events can include playgroups, organized activities, tours, field trips, parties and picnics. The second part of the meeting involves fun presentations, such as guest speakers who address issues such as transitioning to work, protecting children, and mommy anger. Sometimes moms in the group do the presentations, such as in a recent talk on etiquette.
Social activities also rate high on the list of priorities for this ambitious group.

Moms frequently meet in the evenings for movies, craft boutiques, book clubs, bunco games, mothers day teas and more.

Extra-special events include moms’ weekends away, complete with indulgences like massages and dinner.

“We moved here from Denver two years ago,” says Pappalardo. “This group was the perfect answer for finding friends for myself and my kids, who were 10 and 2 years old at the time.”

For more information on Mothers and More, contact Lisa Pappalardo at (480) 722-0630. The website for the national group is www.mothersandmore.org. A local site is at www.geocities.com/Ahwatukeemothersandmore.

(back)