Q: What is Mommy Matters and how does it differ from other "mom" groups?
A: Mommy Matters is a comprehensive program geared to address the WHOLE person. We are moms, yes, but we are also wives/partners, friends, daughters, employees/employers, etc. Through Mommy Matters, moms integrate these often disparate parts of themselves and practice choosing how they want their families, partnerships, and lives to go. Of course we spend a lot of time discussing child development and discipline, but it is all in service of moms being empowered, not to make their kids be perfect. As a result, moms feel confident about making the difficult choices that are a necessary part of parenting.
Q: Who can join this group?
A: Any mom who has a child within the age range for either group. The Toddler/Preschool group is for moms of kids between the ages of 1.5 and 3.5. The Pre-K/Kinder group is for moms of kids between 4-6 years. We currently do not have groups for Dads, but do recommend Larry Nicholas' group, "Defining Dad" http://www.definingdad.com or Bernie Dorsey's Group, "Conscious Fathering" through the Parent Trust, http://www.parenttrust.org. We will also be offering "couples nights" for past participants. These nights will be refershers and a time for partners to come and experience some of the content/tools of the program. Q: Does my child come with me to Mommy Matters?
A: Mommy Matters is only for moms. We have found that even when a sitter is present, moms are still distracted by their child and not able to fully benefit from discussions and practices. We are passionate about supporting moms in an environment where they can be open, relaxed, and fully present.
Q: What if I don't have childcare for my child?
A: We will have on-site childcare available at the Twirl location for a small fee. Mommy Mattes also suggests SeekingSitters Seattle, www.SeekingSittersSeattleEastside.com , as an alternative for moms without childcare during our workshops. These are great alternatives and very affordable. For moms whose toddler is younger than 2.5 years, we have tons of experience in setting up sitters and nanny shares, so we would love to support you to create a solution that works for you. There are many options available - let us know and we can help!
Q: Can I bring my infant to the workshops?
A: Infants under 6 months are welcome in the workshops. We fully understand what it is like to have a new baby and a toddler. Many moms have brought their babies with them to the group. Melissa and Robin love holding babies while moms are practicing or conversing. We suggest leaving babies 6 months and older at home because they are becoming mobile and talkative and begin to distract mom!
Q: Why is Mommy Matters such a large time commitment?
A: Moms are often not thrilled with the demanding, emotional and physical changes emerging from their toddler/preschooler. We at Mommy Matters believe that the keys to successfully embracing these changes are practice and support. In the Mommy Matters workshops moms have two facilitators to support them. This ensures that all voices are heard. Additionally, moms are connected with the other moms through a buddy system and an online group. In each session, moms have the chance to practice new skills that involve caring for themselves, their partnerships, and their children. This practice with other moms and without the children present allows moms to practice and be vulnerable without worrying about "doing it wrong". Finally, this practice is sustained over an 8-week period to ensure that these new skills become part of each mom's daily life. Hearing, seeing, and doing ensure learning and practice breeds confidence.
Q: What qualifications do the facilitators bring to the groups?
A: Melissa and Robin are both highly-trained professionals and both moms of young children. Melissa is a licensed social worker, Gottman educator, and parent consultant. She has many years experience working with parents of young children in school, private, and group settings. Robin has a MEd, is an ontological coach, and a Love and Logic facilitator. She also works with parents through schools, individual coaching, and group settings. Both bring compassion, practical experience, and best practices to the group.
Q: What if I can't pay for the group all at one time?
A: Mommy Matters understands that having children creates strain on a family's budget and that we are currently in an even more difficult economic time. Therefore, we are open to working with our moms to create a payment plan that works for both the mom and the facilitators.
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