 Have you ever considered enrolling in a “Mommy & Me” class with your infant or toddler? What is a Mommy & Me class? Where do I find such a group in Northeastern Pennsylvania?
Mommy & Me classes, also referred to as “Buddy and Me” or “Parent and Child” programs, are a great way to bond with your son or daughter. Interaction with parents, caregivers, and other adults are vital to a child’s life, but new evidence shows that these relationships actually shape brain circuits and lay the foundation for later developmental outcomes, from academic performance to mental health and interpersonal skills. (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child 2004; Young Children Develop in an Environment of Relationships: Working Paper No. 1)
The bond that a child develops with his or her parents, caregivers, and other adults imparts a sense of security and cultivates positive self esteem. Mommy & Me groups support that bond and promote age-appropriate activities to boost a child’s development.
Most groups offer a variety of activities that enhance a child’s development. More structured programs, such as Gymboree, foster creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5. Classes have age-appropriate activities that help to develop cognitive, physical, and social skills as they play. Other Mommy & Me groups are run by community volunteers.
If you live in Luzerne County, “Mom & Tot Spot,” which was established in February of 2007, provides a variety of activities for the childand mom.
“We offer a full calendar of activities; it’s a great way to meet other people,” said Organizer Nyna Grymko.
For mom, it offers the opportunity to meet and talk with other moms, and, an active message board offers topics and concerns about children, parenting advice, and ongoing discussions. Enjoy monthly Mom’s Night Out and seasonal family events.
For the children, there are many opportunities for play dates for all ages.
“The typical age group is birth through pre-school, but we welcome all children,” Grymko said.
Children are able to socialize and meet new friends. They do arts, crafts, story time, and other community activities.
If you live in Lackawanna County, “Moms of Munchkins” (MOM) was established in June 2006. For the parent, there is an opportunity to meet other parents for friendship, advice and laughs. This group is geared toward the 0-5 age group, although children of all ages are welcome.
“During our summer months, we have children of all ages participating in a full calendar of events,” said Organizer Jennifer Carra.
Planned on a monthly basis, most events and activities occur during the week, with some on weekends and evenings as well.
“We have activities scheduled regularly in the community, and our calendar is very full,” Carra said.
On average, MOM offers 10-15 events a month, including Mom’s Night Out, movie nights, and fun for the entire family.
A new group structured for the working parent, the “Mindful Living, Conscious Parenting” group, is located in Luzerne County. Working parents are dedicated to sharing meaningful experiences with their children and are community involved.
“We are open to all types of families, and everyone is welcome,” said Organizer Jessica Manzolillo-Kolinovsky. “We are not your typical Mommy & Me group.”
Group members do volunteer work, collect donations, and raise awareness for causes. This year they raised money for pancreatic cancer and held a clothing drive.
“We try to focus more on reaching out to the community. We went to a local nursing home and senior center and donated baked goods for the Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction,” said Manzolillo-Kolinovsky. “We also conduct specific activities for the moms and dads, such as our book club.”
The group enjoys reading literary fiction, having meet-ups over dinner, rock climbing, yoga, book discussions, and seasonal events.
Over all, Mommy & Me groups are a great way to expose your child to other children and to reinforce techniques they learn at home. They are a great way to help your child grow and flourish and have fun while doing it.
Mommy & Me Groups in the Greater W-B/Scranton Area:
Gymboree of Wilkes Barre
1159 Rt. 315, Wilkes Barre
(570) 208-2908
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
New member fee: $40
Mom & Tot Spot
Harvey’s Lake
www.meetup.com/moms-1829
Contact: Nyna Grymko
Annual membership fee: $10
Scranton Area Moms of Munchkins
(MOM)
Clark Summit
www.meetup.com/Scranton-Area-Moms-
of-Munchkins-MOM
Contact: Jennifer Carra
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Annual membership fee: $22
Mindful Living, Conscious Parenting
Dallas
http://www.meetup.com/Mindful-Living-Conscious-Parenting
Organizers: Jessica Manzolillo-Kolinovsky, Jennifer Yonkoski
Annual membership fee: $12
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