Anyone in a MOPS Group?

I am not in a MOPS group yet, but I am going to my first one on Friday. I am also a SAHM with a 2 1/2 yr old daughter and a 14 month old son. Neither of my children has ever been away from me in the care of people they don't know, so that is a huge concern for me. I talked with the director of my local group and she assured me that the kids are well cared for and if there is a problem, such as separation anxiety, the providers will call for me and I can bring the kids into the meeting with me if need be. She made me feel so much better about having my kids there. I am not an introverted person, but I am far from outgoing and talkative, however, after almost 3 years of constant interaction with babies and toddlers, I am willing to step outside of my comfort zone to keep my sanity and help me to be a better wife and mother because I am trying to do something for myself. Several women in my family have joined mops groups in the past and said it was a life saver! I believe that the women (all different ages) gather together in a meeting room and listen to a speaker and then do some type of activity/craft (?). I also think it would be great for my kids to interact with some people their own age for a L. while instead of just always being with me. I was told that the first one is free and then I think it is about $25 for the year. I figured for twice a month, I can try it and if I don't like it then I can stop going. If I were you, I would try it and not worry about the fact that you are shy. I have heard nothing but great things about the groups.

I am in a leadership position in my local MOPS. I was afraid to go to my first meeting but I went and am so glad I did. So many moms there were very supportive and kind. The food was good, the topics and crafts were usually very useful. It is a good way to jumpstart a friendship or two. The moms all have kids that are age birth to 5-6yr. You graduate when all your kids have finished kindergarden. I think it is worth the initial anxiety. Contact your local group's coordinator and ask that she meet you at the door the first time you come so you can get settled. I bet she or someone would love to make it a great time for you. Bless you and enjoy.

My niece is in a mops group and she loves it. She has made a ton of friends there. She's always blabbing about it on facebook. It's a good resource seems to me. Go for it.

There is a wonderful organization called The Mommies Network. Check to see if there is a group near you! www.themommiesnetwork.org

I moved to a new place 5 years ago. I knew NOBODY and had no family around. I ran in to a lady who told me about MOPS and invited me to a meeting. It was my saving grace. I am not in to the joining group thing either. I have a hard time in those settings. This was a group of such welcoming women.
Mops is basically a christian based Moms group (you do not have to go to church or be a believer to go-although there is usually a quick prayer at the end of each meeting) Every group is run a little different, but i think all have the same concept and follow the same program. Our group met 2 times a month for 2 hours. Some times we would do crafts. You do not have to if you are not crafty. Most of the time there were speakers. We had great speakers. Anything from teaching your kids how to save money, to how to keep your marriage spicy. The group is called Mothers of Preschoolers. It is geared towards mom with infants up through kindergarten.
I truly cant say a negative thing about it! It is a great way to meet moms, who have the same issues as you, and can relate to the same issues.

I don't have any answers for you on this. I just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone. I too thought about getting involved in something like this but like you, very reserved. I'm interested to see what kind of replies you get on this. One of my goals for this year is to try something new, to get out of my comfort box. I bet at first, it'll be nerve wracking but maybe over a period of time, it'll get easier. Good luck!