MOPS help moms improve their parenting skills

COLUMBUS -- First-time moms or those who already have a large brood have been sharing their experiences through a support group.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is for mothers and their preschool children, age infant through kindergarten. Columbus has two MOPS groups, one that meets at Berean Church and another at Federated Church.

Heather Griffith, coordinator of MOPS, said the group is about fellowship and education.

“We come and learn to be a better mom, to be a better parent,” Griffith said.

The meetings are led by the moms and include interaction among its members, while the children are looked after by caretakers called MOPPETS. The group touches on various parenting topics and they also do projects like crafts and demonstrations.

One of the recent projects was making quilts that were going to be donated to the Columbus Rescue Mission.

MOPS is Christian-based and was first established in 1973. The Federated group in Columbus has been around for 12 years, while the Berean group has been for four.

Griffith, who has four children, said one of the best aspects of the group is the support one receives from other mothers and being around people who have shared similar experiences.

“I’m not alone. We all have struggled and you think that you are the worst mother. But you can come here and from hear other people who have struggled,” she said.

Janelle Janssen, who has been a member of MOPS since she moved to Columbus from York a year-and-a-half ago, said she enjoys being around others whom she knows she has something in common with.

For Amy Fetterley, the group is just as much about learning parenting skills as it is about building friendships.

Fetterley moved from Michigan to Columbus last year and said she didn’t have any family or know many people here. But she was introduced to MOPS by a friend and began to take her two children to the Friday morning summer play groups MOPS hosts.

Those interested in learning more about MOPS, can call either the Federated or Berean churches, or call Griffith at 562-7975.