MacDill moms get new support group

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mike Tateishi
  • Special to the Thunderbolt
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  A new Mothers of Preschoolers chapter started at the base chapel, Jan. 13. MOPS is an international organization designed to offer social, emotional and spiritual support to moms while also providing parenting skills. There are about a dozen MOPS locations around Tampa already, but the MacDill chapter plans to offer something the others don't specialize in.

"We're not only going to be able to address some of the challenges mothers of preschoolers are dealing with, but they will also be able to get the support they need from a deployed spouses perspective," said Chaplain (Maj.) David Buttrick, 6th Air Mobility Wing chaplain.

Chaplain Buttrick said a lot of spouses may want to come because their husbands are deployed and want to connect with others in similar circumstances. Not only deployments, but life in general for a mom in the military setting can be overwhelming at times.

That may be a reason for such a high interest in the new chapter.
"We have 40 ladies already signed up and it hasn't even started yet," said Chaplain Buttrick.

The "P" in MOPS may stand for preschoolers, but Heidi Spencer, the MacDill MOPS co-coordinator, said that any military mom or military spouse with an infant to preschooler is invited to attend.

One of the largest obstacles for moms being able to attend meetings without being tugged at her every 30 seconds, is finding something for their little ones to do.
Spencer addressed that in the form of "MOPETS classes"-- a Sunday school meets vacation Bible school of sorts. Children in MOPETS are in a separate classroom and get a Bible story tailored to their age.

They also get playtime, with games, crafts and a snack while moms are meeting.
Nearly 20 grandmothers of military retirees living on MacDill in the FamCamp answered the call to volunteer and instruct the children while moms are in class and networking, said Buttrick.

The meetings last a couple hours, and everything from breakfast to refreshments for the moms and little ones is provided. Meetings continue the second Thursday of the month through May. The meetings are free.

In addition to the structured meetings, the group plans to meet the fourth Thursday of the month at a kid-friendly location such as the zoo, a park or a location downtown.

"By meeting twice a month, we're allowing for more opportunities for connections to take place," said Spencer.

For more information about MOPS, contact the MacDill chapel at (813) 828-3621.