Since becoming the "coordinator," it seems that I can never fully get my mind away from MOPS stuff. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, but my mind is always going full speed anyway, and now it feels like its always on the verge of explosion. I want to start a place for all of my MOPS thoughts and use it as an outlet. If it is something that others enjoy reading, then fantabulous.
I recently became aware of a great resource that I have never noticed in the past. You know the double doors where we enter for MOPS at FBC Commerce? Well, right inside those doors is a magazine rack mounted on the wall. There is a lot of different material there, but I found three magazines that I was very interested in and brought home with me. They are called ParentLife, Living with Teenagers, and Homelife. I briefly flipped through the HomeLife yesterday, and REALLY enjoyed it. There were several articles that caught my eye, but the one I wanted to share first was about stereotypes of stay at home moms and working moms. Here is some advice offered:
-How working moms can reach out to SAHMs:
1.) Acknowledge their busy schedules.
2.) Talk with them about something other than their children.
3.)Don't expect them to be crafty, perfect housekeepers or great chefs.
4.)I'm adding this one myself - Don't assume they have more free time than you do.
-How SAHMs can reach out to working moms:
1.) Show genuine interest in their careers.
2.) Occasionally offer to watch their children if they are running a few minutes late from work. (I don't really understand this one.)
3.) Don't expect them to be messy housekeepers, fast food junkies or too tired to play with their children.
If you think these things, you are STEREOTYPING!:
- She has to work so they can afford to pay for that big house! - Not all moms work for financial gain. Some just really love their jobs and get great joy and satisfaction out of using their skills, HOPEFULLY in a way that brings glory to Christ.
- Ask her to organize the bake sale. She doesn't work! - Stay at home moms work hard, too, and often have jam packed schedules, even if their schedule looks different than a working mom schedule, don't dismiss it. Make sure and give plenty of notice if you need their help.
- Her kids are wild and unruly. Probably because they have grown up in daycare! Never assume a child's struggles are related to mom's decision to work. It could be a myriad of other reasons...and possibly not related to mom in any way!
- She stays at home with her children, but yet her house is always messy! What does she do all day??? - Stay at home moms are much more than just a housekeeper! They juggle multiple responsibilites and issues. Many are also committed to church ministries and volunteer work at their children's schools that require their attention during the day.
I know that I carry my own sinful views of "my way is the right way" even though my brain tells me there is no "right" way. So, since I deal with it, I figure some of you do as well. We know we shouldn't judge. Especially each other. It's hard enough to deal with daily guilt in regards to our children and our parenting styles that we put on OURSELVES without guilt and pressure from each other. So, lets love and respect each other's decisions and support each other in whatever way we can. Even if their way looks different than your way.
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