Purpose Statement

MOPS Purpose Statement: MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ.

Friday, July 18, 2008

18 July - Visiting the GP

Dr Roger Morris, local GP and father of two, was our guest speaker today. Main points that I can recall from his talk were:
  • GPs thinking on/treatment of fevers has changed in recent times
  • Fever is not to be feared, is bodies natural way of fighting a virus or infection
  • Really only need to be concerned if a fever is over 40 deg
  • GP will take into account whole presentatin of the child not just "the number"of the temp. So a child who is generally well in themselves, sitting up, making contact with the parents/GP is generally less of a concern that one who is still and crying or listless etc
  • Good idea to strip your child off so GP can do thorough check for rashes etc
  • Many rashes are caused by viruses
  • Difference in a rash that fades then returns when run finger across skin (less of a concern) than one that stays red even when a finger run across it (more of a concern). This type of "stays red" rash may possibly be a blood infection such as pneumococcal. meningococcal. V rare but could be indicative of. The rash is a late sign of these conditions. Treatment needs to be rapid. Ambulance called and antibiotics given immeditately by the GP. If ever concerned about a rash see your doctor asap as they will be able to diagnose and treat accordingly
  • Most accurate way to check temp is with one of the infra red in the ear type thermometers. Most accurate as inner ear is closest to core body temp (can be quite expensive but a few MOPS Mums have got them from discount chemists and look out for them when on sale as can drop in price from around $100 down to $35-50)
  • Babies can check temp under arm (but may be around half a point cooler than actual temp), older children under tongue ok if they will sit still long enough
  • A fever that sticks around longer than 72 hours (3 days) should be looked at
  • If in doubt do go to your GP
  • If cooling a baby or child ALWAYS use TEPID water (not cold as will make them shiver which will in turn actually raise temp) and ALWAYS STAY AND MONITOR A CHILD IN THE BATH (babies/children should always be monitored anyway but an extra risk of febrile convulsions leading to drowning). Perhaps give a tepid sponge bath instead
  • Febrile convulsions quite uncommon. Thought to be caused by the rapidity of the rise in temperature not just how high the temp is
  • No real difference between Nurofen and Panadol in terms of reducing fever or for pain management. Equally as effective. Nurofen may taste better and therefore be more palatable for children. Nurofen cant be used until 6mths of age but Panadol from 1 mth
  • Chemist brands and other brand names identical and may be cheaper
  • Do not alternate doses of Nurofen and Panadol as can lead to overdose
  • Follow directions for dosage amounts and frequencies and on the packet. Remember age and weight effect dosage also
  • Cough mixtures (cough suppressants) for children no longer reccommended. Ineffective and can perhaps do more harm than good. Decongestants/decongestants with antihistimine still ok. Speak to your GP/Pharmacist
  • Avoid Phenergan (and similar sedatives) for children under 2-3. Only use occasionally when needed for older children. Definitely not to be used for babies/infants as maybe linked to an increased risk of SIDS
  • Remember antibiotics ineffective for viral infections
  • Contagion - if your child has caught it then it is contagious. Most things are most contagious in first few days. If in doubt stay away from others to minimise spreading the germs and practice good personal hygiene - regular hand washing, use tissues and dispose of immediately etc.
As a friend of mine recently spent a sleepless night in Emergency with her 4 year old who had overdosed on Panadol I would like to add a reminder to ALWAYS KEEP MEDICINES AND POISONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Best to be locked away and/or in a high up cupboard where children can not access.

Don't be complacent about child proof caps etc. Her 2 year old climbed up on the kitchen bench and opened the "child-proof" lid and passed it to her brother who then ingested the large amount ending in a visit to emergency and stay in hospital (no long term results thankfully).

Same goes for household products including bleach, dishwasher powder etc which can cause terrible burns to throat/lungs etc when ingested . Please keep locked up or out of reach of children.

A handy number to have near the phone is the POISONS Info Line.

Poisons Information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 13 1126.

I have made use of this number when in a sleep deprived state I misread a label and gave Gus many times the dosage (bleary eyed and brain in neutral read the dosage on the label as something like as 1.0ml instead of 0.1ml).....they were exceptionally helpful and reassuring as I rang them at 3 in the morning in a panic with my heart in my mouth wondering what the effects would be of this overdose.

Poor Gus! Again he was fine but it was a reminder to be extra careful around our kids and medication.

If anyone has any other points they can recall from Dr Rogers talk please email them to me at hillme@virginbroadband.com.au or add them in the comments section of this post

Thanks and see you at Pioneer Park Landsborough for our next MOPS in 2 weeks time (August 1, from 9.30). Event cancelled if it rains.
Posted by Michele @ The Hills are Alive at 12:56 PM Labels: ,

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Theme Scripture

Psalm 139

1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand — when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Annual MOPS Participation Fee

The annual MOPS Participation Fee of $10 assists MOPS Australia in covering the cost of training for Regional Coordinators to help other MOPS groups to develop around Australia. It also allows more MOPS group leaders around Australia to access regional training.

This will go a long way to helping MOPS Australia bring MOPS to more Mums around Australia.

When you register for MOPS each year, you will be handed an Annual Participation Fee form, and we ask that if you are able to pay this $10 participation fee, please do so before the end of April 2011.

The payment options are...
1. Direct Debit to MOPS Australia bank account
2. Credit card
3. Cheque payable to MOPS Australia
4. Cash to MOPS@MBC front desk

Thank you, from the MOPS@MBC team.

How did MOPS begin?

It was a Tuesday morning, at about 9.30. They each had faced spilled cereal, tangled hair, and a few had even been forced to change their outfits due to a last-minute baby throw-up on a shoulder or lap. They had driven, or pushed strollers, to the church and had dropped their little ones off in the creche. They had made it!

And now they sat, knees almost touching, in the circle of children's chairs from the Sunday school room. Hands held hot cups of tea and biscuits in utter freedom because this treat did not have to be shared with a child's sticky fingers. Mouths moved in eager, uninterrupted conversation. Eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. Hearts stirred with understanding. Needs were met.

That morning in 1973, was the first morning of MOPS, or Mothers of Preschoolers. Little was it known that from this small beginning in a church in Colorado, USA, the seeds of the MOPS concept and format had been planted. The needs of the women were met even then, through the opportunity for friendship, creative outlet and spiritual emphasis. MOPS International now charters approximately 2,500 MOPS groups in churches in the United States and 13 other countries throughout the world.

How did MOPS begin in Australia?

How did MOPS begin in Australia?

Nineteen years later and thousands of kilometres away, the same mutual need for sharing was realised by a group of mums with children under school age in Melbourne. After reading about the MOPS concept in the US, leaders introduced the program to the Clayton Church of Christ Fellowship in early 1990 and MOPS was born in Australia. From this small beginning, the seeds for future growth were planted, resulting in the formation of an affiliated body to support the ever-increasing number of Australian groups and the mums they served.

Since its formation in June 2000, MOPS Australia, Inc has grown rapidly and there are currently over 100 groups throughout Australia. In the last year alone, 35 new groups have commenced, with groups starting up regularly throughout different Christian denominations. Groups now meet in every state and territory in Australia, with an estimated ministry to approximately 2500 mums and 3000 children.

How did MOPS begin at MBC?

A Brief History of MOPS at MBC by Karen Askey-Doran (COordinator of MOPS til 2008 and currently Regional Coordinator).

In 1999, the leader of MBC’s women’s ministry caught the vision of MOPS. At that time I was a new Mum with little inclination to help; I was interested but not convicted!

Roughly a year later another meeting was held to generate interest. At this time I had another little baby girl, a 16-month-old toddler and, although I was unaware of it, Post Natal Depression. And once again people were interested but not compelled to lead.

In 2005 Holly, caught the vision of MOPS and began to sow the seeds of interest throughout the young Mums in our church. Robyn Robertson came to our first meeting and inspired us into action…the seeds Holly planted took hold!

People came slowly at first to fill the positions, it seemed there were a lot of blanks for a long time! Holly was going to be our Coordinator and when she filled out the charter she realised that a Mother of Preschoolers should really fill that role…. So she called me! Very graciously, Holly took a side step into a Mentoring role (very appropriate really).

God was moving in our midst, we had been blessed with an inspired team of 15 Mops Leaders and 9 Moppets Leaders, each one having a testimony about how God had lead them to this ministry!

I suspect that God has big plans for our group. I still feel very inadequate sometimes but I do trust God and I want to serve him and to reach out to Mums who are hurting, to support them. I want to encourage, you know, to build up… to make a difference in people’s lives, especially my children’s!

I know I’m not alone… In Romans 8:28 it says “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He planned for my girls, my twins, my battle with PND. He planned for MOPS - at this time - in our church! The door has literally been flung open!

What happens at a MOPS meeting?

When a mum enters a MOPS meeting, she is greeted by a friendly face and escorted to MOPPETS, where her children enjoy their special part of the MOPS program. In MOPPETS, children from infancy through to school age experience a caring environment while they learn, sing, play and make crafts.

Once her children are settled, the MOPS mum joins a program tailor-made to meet her needs. She can grab something to eat and not have to share it! She can finish a sentence and not have to speak in words of two syllables!

The program typically begins with a brief lesson taught by an older mum who's been through the challenging years of mothering and who can share from her experience and from the truths taught in the Bible. Then the women move into small discussion groups where there are no "wrong answers" and each mum is free to share her joys and struggles with other mums who truly understand her feelings. In these moments, long-lasting friendships are often made on the common ground of finally being understood.

From here, the women participate in a craft or other creative activity. For mums who are often frustrated by the impossibility of completing anything in their unpredictable days, this activity is deeply satisfying. It provides a sense of accomplishment and growth for many mums.

Because mums of preschoolers themselves lead MOPS, the program also offers women a chance to develop their leadership skills and other talents. It takes organisation, creativity, and management skills to run a MOPS program successfully.

By the time they finish the MOPS meeting and pick up their children, the mums feel refreshed and better able to mother. MOPS helps them recognise that mums have needs too! And when they take the time to meet those needs, they find they are more effective in meeting the needs of their families.

Meeting the needs of Mothers of Preschoolers

The MOPS program is dedicated to meeting the needs of mothers of preschoolers. These needs have been identified by Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall in their book, What Every Mum Needs:


The need for Identity: Sometimes I'm not sure who I am

The need for Growth: Sometimes I long to develop who I am

The need for Relationship: Sometimes I long to be understood

The need for Help: Sometimes I need to share the load

The need for Perspective: Sometimes I lose my focus

The need for Hope: Sometimes I wonder if there's more to life


Here's How Some Mums Describe MOPS

"MOPS means that I am able to share the joys and frustrations and insecurities of being a mum. Our meetings provide the opportunity to hear someone else say, "I was up all night," or "They're driving me crazy!"

MOPS mum, Perth

"As a single mum, this is the first group I've felt accepted in for who I am."

MOPS mum, Canberra

'On my first day at MOPS, I knew my life had changed forever! The women made me feel so relaxed. I had a peace I hadn't felt for a long time. They were so caring, pleasant, helpful…the list goes on! I just want to say, "Thank you MOPS!" If it weren't for MOPS, I wouldn't be where I am today.'

MOPS mum, Melbourne

'When I first started MOPS, I was very, very lonely. MOPS gave me a chance to get out of the house which I was grateful for. The talks were very informative. I found out a lot through these talks. My problems seemed to become smaller. When I first started at MOPS, I thought I was a Christian. I wasn't. Through MOPS I can now say, 'I am a Christian.' MOPS to me is not only Mothers of Pre Schoolers, but My Own Private Salvation!'

MOPS mum, Canberra