Everyone knows that moms are superheroes and dedicate so much of their time and energy each day to taking care of their kids. However, it’s extremely important for moms to make sure they take care of themselves too by surrounding themselves with a community that offers encouragement as they navigate the twists and turns of motherhood, especially in the early stages.
Laurel Dameron, mother of a four- and seven-year-old, saw this need and after connecting with other moms in the area in a Facebook group, helped establish Muletown MOPS. Their group is part of the larger organization The MomCo (formerly MOPS –Mothers Of Preschoolers) for mothers of children typically five years and younger.
“There were just so many of us coming to the area new and didn’t know anybody and so the MOPS group was just a fantastic way to get plugged into a community, but also a community of women who were going through the same exact things I’m going through,” says Dameron. “They’re walking the same steps I’m walking. It is meant to be a group for mothers that are in the early stage of motherhood, whether it’s your first or it’s your fourth.”
Now in their third year, the group of moms meets one morning during the second week of the month—which includes childcare—and one evening the fourth week of the month, allowing mothers who work a full-time job outside of the home to join in on the fun.
The Muletown MOPS group—with current members ranging from 20s to 40s—enjoy crafts, clothing swaps, and receiving encouragement from guest speakers, visiting community figures, and MOPS videos that speak to marriage, motherhood, and encouragement in their current season of life. Says Dameron, "It is meant to be so that people can just walk into the room and immediately feel like they can jump into conversation, that they can jump into activities. We’re trying to reduce the amount of social effort that you have to give.” @MuletownMOPS
“I think it’s really important to surround yourself with people when you’re in the younger years of parenting. I think it can be a very lonely time if you let it."
