The New Mothers Groups
The experience of motherhood can at first be quite nerve-racking. But newly established mother Tara Kerr has found a solution to soothe the worries of her new full-time job: a mother’s group where all seven members can meet up, socialise and discuss the issues facing the young parents that they are.
"They meet every Tuesday at each other’s houses, taking turns hosting the group’s weekly morning tea and coffee."
They meet every Tuesday at each other’s houses, taking turns hosting the group’s weekly morning tea and coffee. Danielle and Holly, Leanne and Charlize, Wendy and Lee, Donna and Mitchell, Michelle and Declan, Rachel and Ethan and of course Tara and her baby son Mitchell all met in June 2007 at an informative ‘young mother’ session run by the local community nurses.
“You’re all going through the same thing at the same time”
Encouraged to meet again, Tara and the other mothers congregate regularly to prolong the benefits of a mother’s group. “You’re all going through the same thing at the same time” says the young mother. When aged nine and a half months, babies grow rapidly and Tara feels that her and her son Mitchell really need the comfort of seeing other young mothers in the same situation. “It’s been a lifesaver!” says Tara about the group, as the mums exchange advice, tips, words of encouragement and experiences, ‘bouncing ideas off each other.’
What do the toddlers do at these meet-ups? Play, play and play of course! With different toys to play with every seven weeks, the little ones get to interact with other children who are all at the same stage. “They’re slowly discovering the use of their hands and marvel to see that other children are too! The future is looking bright for our seven toddlers. The group just joined a playgroup in Thornlie as the babies have just started crawling. “Seven crawling babies, in our homes that aren’t always 100% baby safe, were becoming a bit hard to manage!” Mothers and babies will therefore continue to meet up as the group, now linked by friendship, moves on to the next step.Tara’s words of advice? “The mother’s group has been fantastic for Mitchell and I. If you have the opportunity to start one in your area, do it!”
One plus two makes three!
Less than a year ago, the happy arrival of Calvin, 11 and a half months old, changed the Wright household forever. Proud parents Jason and Jessica have moved out of their two by one unit to a three by two unit they’ve bought to make room for little Calvin. Jason, a mechanic and newly established daddy, describes his experience of becoming a father as slightly daunting at first but definitely ‘the best thing on earth”. A year into this life-changing experience, Jason feels his perspective on life has radically changed as he and Jess have welcomed the family’s third member. “You become more open,” Jason says. “You feel for other peoples’ less fortunate children when you see them, for example in hospital or on television. Becoming a father has really sensitised me”.
Indeed, Jason’s perfectly healthy baby has softened his father’s heart as they share great quality time, go for walks and spend time with the family. “You see the point of life, it definitely got my eyes open,” says the 25-year-old dad as he describes this new state of completeness that is fatherhood.
And the best part about being a father? “Reliving your childhood” says Jason. Especially when baby photos of father and son show an unmistakable resemblance that can only reinforce the common saying ‘like father like son’!
So what’s next? A big white dress and church bells as Jessica and Jason say ‘I do’ in a few weeks, little Calvin by their side. Congratulations to the future bride and groom!
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