Mommy “Growth” Time
A few months ago, Amanda wrote about the importance of mommy time and how much we all need it in our lives to stay sane and healthy. We all know how important it is for us to take some time for ourselves to relax and sometimes just to breathe, but another aspect of mommy time I have discovered that benefits me even more than traditional mommy time is what I call “Mommy Growth Time”.
For me, Mommy Growth Time consists of a weekly 3 hour gathering with other women who are all seeking to grow in their faith and learn how to be better mothers, wives and friends. We have a time of discussion about the topic of our study and then break up into small accountability groups. These groups have been my encouragement the last few months.
Accountability in parenting and married life is so important. None of us are perfect and we all struggle dealing with certain aspects of our lives that we could use encouragement and non-judgemental advice from people with whom we respect and relate. I’ve found too many times that when I have told someone about something I am struggling with, I am met with criticism and judgement. Quite frankly, at that point any advice that has been offered may as well have been thrown out a window because I quit listening. Accountability groups are a great way to avoid the negativity and find real solutions and support.
Other mom friends of mine find growth and encouragement in MOPS groups (Mothers of Preschoolers) or in Motherwise groups. I think the importance of gathering with other moms, without your children, to grow and learn something about yourself is vital to maintaining your sanity, especially if you are a stay-at-home-mom. Playdates are great, but we all need more!
I strongly encourage every mom to find some kind of group that focuses on motherhood and give it a try. You will gain amazing friendships and will have an outlet for coping with the struggles of mommy hood without all the unwanted condescending remarks.
Are you part of a growth group? How has this helped you become a better mom, wife and/or friend?
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Nice post.
I struggle with just “me time”. I am going to start walking at night by myself in order to get exercise, think and to clear my mind. I need it!
We just started back with MOPS on Monday after the hiatus for the summer. This group is such a great break from the kids, a learning experience, and a time to lean on other moms going through all the same things I am. And a great free breakfast!
I would suggest MOPS to anyone looking for the support of other moms…
It’s just so important that we connect with other mom’s and women without our kids. What I like so much about the groups listed in my post was that most of them provide childcare options. It is such a great way to escape and know your kids are well taken care of!
I really enjoyed reading this, and would love to find a group that can help me grow as a mother and wife. I looked at both of the organizations you mentioned, and MOPS in my area is only during the day, and Motherwise seems more religious then I would want. I am curious if the group you found was evenings or day time and if it was religiously focused? I actually find it kind of frusturating that these groups would be strictly designed for the religious stay at home mom and would love to find something to also help a working, not really religious, mom. I love the idea and find it an interesting concept to find that kind of help and guidance. I would love to be a better mom and wife. Thanks!
Marsha, the group I am in is a Christian group and meets during the day, however, this is the kind of group I was looking for. I personally have found that accountability like the kind I get in my group is hard to come by in a “non-religious” group. You could try finding a group in your area through http://www.moms.meetup.com or maybe you could start a group of your own!!! Whatever you do, I wish you luck!
Finding a group of supportive and encouraging moms has been crucial to my sanity!
I keep hearing about “Titus 2″ groups from my Protestant friends and wish that my (Catholic) church would start one. Sure, I’ve got my mom, mom-in-law, and my aunts to help guide me but it would be nice to have some older women who are not relatives, KWIM?
@Crimson Wife… definitely! I did a study on 2 Peter over the summer and started one that is on a book called Shepherding a Child’s Heart… the book is amazing… I will be doing a book review on it soon! Maybe you could start a Titus 2 group at your church!? I’m sure if you feel there is a need, others will too!
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