So far, I have thought of about 6 mamás that "qualify" for the group-- that is: they have children 5 and under.
- I want to focus on that age group because it is SUCH an important part of our babies' lives. Here's some homework for you: Do you know specific information dealing with the importance of these first 5 years?
- I am also thinking of having 4 main focuses:
1--Your Child (this would include development, nutrition, sleep needs, reading, education, milestones, emotional, discipline, personality, play time etc, etc)
2--You as a Mom (the importance of your role, ways to become a better mom, ways to make things easier, what the Bible says about moms/parents, etc...)
3--You as a Wife (marriage focus)
4--You as a Person (focus on womanhood, soul issues, beauty, health, hobbies)
- I am thinking I will focus on one of these 4 things each week. What do you think? Other ideas for focuses? How would you group it differently?
- The school schedule here is half-day. So some mom's have kids that go to school from 8a-1p and some have kids in school from 1:30p-6:30p. So, I am planning on having a "A Group" (those with kids in school in the morning) that meets Tuesday mornings twice a month. I will also have a "B Group" (that have kids in afternoon school) that meets on Thursday afternoons twice a month. I will stagger these, so I will have a group every week, but the Groups will really be every other week (if that makes sense).
- The other idea has to do with a tendancy I have seen here of being quick to voice "What you should do..." opinions, or judgements. There is also a tendancy of storing up juicy personal tidbits about people to tell others. This, obviously, often makes it very difficult for there to be genuine times of sharing between the people (and I know this is not only limited to Mexico, maybe just a little more prevelant.) So, my thought is to write words like "impatience", "pride", "gossip", "judging" and the like on pieces of paper and then giving them to the ladies to read. After reading and discussing, they would then rip these words and throw them in the trash. I also plan on writing a sort of "pledge" to honor, support, and protect each other, not to be quick to judge, etc on a poster and have it on display at all the meetings. Any other thoughts to this??
- I plan on having a little questionaire for the ladies the first time they attend the club. Things like birthday, interests, number/ages of children, areas of expertise, hobbies, prayer requests, etc. That way we can get to know everyone rather quickly right away!
- I think I will keep the format somewhat like a discussion group. Possibly print out an article or something and give it to them the week before I'd like to discuss it. I think if I do it more like a "teaching" format, they might say, "Well, your babies aren't so perfect..." ;)
- Child care... we will just have to see how many come! If it is like 5 kids, I think we will be good. Otherwise, I may employ one of my cousins. :)
- Snacks: Something simple... possibly rotating ladies who bring something.
- Ah! One of the most exciting ideas: If some of you desire, you can sign on to become a prayer partner with/for a particular amiga. I hope to post pictures and info on each lady...and I would email you her weekly prayer request/praises.
4 comments:
I know one thing that has seemed to work well at MOPS is to keep the first meetings (like the first semester) on more fun or "light" topics...then go into the deeper studies in the second semester. That way, the women have bonded and trust each other by the time things get "serious". :)
Some "light" ideas...
cooking (recipes)
Playtime ideas for kids
Date suggestions
I will think more and get back to you! :)
Our mom's group established at the beginning that what was said in the group stayed in the group. Sharing only with our husbands, if necessary. That helped build trust so we felt comfortable sharing.
Liz,
I agree that keeping things light in the beginning is a great way to start. I feel you will definitely need to establish a firm level of trust between the ladies...especially in a Mexican culture where there is a tendency for more gossip (at least based upon my experience living in Mexico).
I also think it is so important to place a great deal of emphasis on having a marriage-centered family. I think in the early years when our children are very young and require so much attention that we have a tendency to neglect our spouse. I think we really need to focus on keeping our relationships prioritized...God first, husband second, children third, others fourth. A strong relationship with your spouse will have a much greater impact on your children than if you devote ALL of your time to the kiddos.
These are just some thoughts.
Let us know what else you need.
May God grant you wisdom.
Thanks, ladies for your insight. I will plan on keeping it pretty "light" for the first part! :)
I do agree on the confidentiality thing as well.
Jenn--I think I am going to tred slowly when it comes to marital themes since you know how many of the women here are not blessed with marriages to caring spouses, and I tend to feel a little "unqualified" to "step into those waters". Like you all said, we may talk more about marriages when the confidence of the group has been built. But--I DEFINATELY agree that your point on prioritees is a needed one!
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