I first heard of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) when my oldest was between 7-10 months old. We were at our very first ever play date, a monthly get together set up by a mom in our church. I had no concept of MOPS, or even play dates, I was still so new to motherhood. All I knew is that I craved friendship and connection with other moms.
MOPS is a great way to disconnect from the chaos that motherhood can bring and to connect with moms just like yourself.
I was told that at MOPS you eat brunch, talk with other moms at your table, and make a craft while someone else watches your child or children for two hours. That sounded like a win all around!
Several months later, I went to a MOPS meeting for the first time,
and it was a “so-so” experience. As in, I was so nervous, and so late! I was pregnant at the time, and my oldest son had only ever gone to childcare at our home church. His reaction to an unfamiliar place, and me getting lost around the church’s campus just added to my nerves. Once I got settled at a table, all I could think was, “Wow, these moms are so cool, and so put together! How do I measure up?”
Overall, I enjoyed being around other moms, and wanted to go back,
but I didn’t know they followed a school schedule, and I went to a meeting in late April! So I stopped pursuing any moms groups until that Fall when the Vineyard Church (our home church at the time) started their own MOPS group.
While I was still awkward and nervous at first, it wasn’t as frightening since I knew my way around the church.
Honestly, I didn’t know just how good MOPS was for me until recently.
I always knew that I enjoyed going and I loved telling other moms about it, and as I reflected on my life over the past two years, I realized how much MOPS gave me. 
My first Vineyard MOPS meeting, my table was discussing hobbies,
and as I spoke and tried to defend myself and desire to write fiction, another mom said “That sounds totally awesome, even if it were romantic fiction, it would still be cool.” While I took her words to heart, I didn’t know how amazing her nonjudgmental response has been in my motherhood journey. This nonjudgmental, come as you are attitude permeates MOPS.
We’re a group of moms who laugh, cry, and get really excited when someone brings homemade cinnamon rolls for brunch. It is such an authentic and diverse group of moms, and one that I treasure.
Vineyard MOPS
- 16761 Tiger Bend Rd, Baton Rouge
- 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month (during the school year)
- Cost is $8 per meeting (to help with childcare)
- New to MOPS? First meeting is free!
- Brunch items are brought by tables on a rotation schedule
- There is coffee!
Istrouma MOPS
- 10500 Sam Rushing Dr, Baton Rouge, LA
- 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month (during the school year)
- Cost is $2 per meeting
- New to MOPS? First meeting is free!
