We are moms, and we believe that better moms make a better world!
Learn more about MOPS International.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is MOPS?
MOPS stands for "Mothers of Preschoolers," and by preschoolers we mean kiddos from birth through kindergarten. We know, like all acronyms, it’s a little confusing at first. So we just stick with “MOPS”.
The first MOPS meeting took place in Colorado in February of 1973. Today, women around the world are starting MOPS groups in churches, hospitals, YMCAs, homes, coffee shops, correctional facilities, and on military bases, and profound things are taking place. We are building circles of moms who love each other like family.
Our gatherings are where moms can meet to share their hopes, fears and insights, in a format that works with their schedules, that doesn’t neglect their faith nor their womanhood, their motherhood nor their purpose, their heart nor their minds. So, whether you are a soon-to-be mom, first-time mom or seventh-time mom, you are welcome here.
2. How much does joining MOPS cost?
Childcare is graciously provided by the Chapel which allows us to not charge our members anything beyond the MOPS International dues for the year.
Our Membership community unites moms all around the world and helps you become more confident in your mothering, relationships and identity. It gives you all the tools you need to make this mothering season the most invigorating, redemptive, and fun for you and your family. Learn more about what is included with your MOPS International Membership Benefits.
2023-2024 Dues for MOPS International are $34. This registration in addition to supporting the global MOPS sisterhood, includes a quarterly magazine subscription and access to fabulous digital resources. Membership scholarships are available, email BelvoirMOPS@gmail.com for more information.
3. Is there childcare at MOPS?
Our MOPS Kids program, provided for children ages 1 year to 5 years, is available and free!
4. I’ve never left my child with anyone before and I’m nervous. Can I bring my child into the meeting with me?
As moms, it is our primary concern that your children are well taken care of during our meetings. We want to reassure you that your little one will be well cared for in qualified, loving hands.
All of our MOPS Kids workers are professional watch care workers contracted through the Chapel. They are background checked, Red Cross trained, and are often military moms like you! We have members of our Leadership Team dedicated to making sure the MOPS Kids program runs smoothly so that you can be confident in your child's care. Please let our team know of any concerns or suggestions you may have.
Our meeting time is a sacred time for moms to connect with each other, free from outside distractions. So, we have a policy of only allowing lap babies in our meetings.
5. Can we come if we are sick?
Please help us keep all of our kids healthy by keeping sick kids at home. Our MOPS Kids sick policy can be found here.
6. Why is there a registration and a waitlist?
Learn more about Belvoir MOPS Registration. By registering before you arrive, you give us time to prepare for you and your kids. We adjust childcare staff to meet the age and ratio needs of our childcare rooms. Unfortunately, the size of our groups are limited by fire codes and the child-adult ratios in the MOPS Kids classes.
Once we reach our childcare limit, we have no choice but to start a waitlist for moms needing childcare. We will open up registration for watchcare before every meeting to allow for equal chance of Moms to register for each individual event.
If you have any questions about our groups, please email BelvoirMOPS@gmail.com.
7. Can I still come to MOPS?
I'm expecting my first:
Expecting moms with no older children are welcome to join - you'll have a MOPS Kid before you know it!
My kids are all in first grade or above:
You are now be considered a MOMSnext mom! As mothers enter the school years, new challenges and issues arise, but the need for community and hope remains. For this reason MOPS International offers MOMSnext, a ministry to mothers of school-age children. Our groups meet at the same time to allow for mentoring, and Moms of all stages and seasons to have community.
I'm not religious:
MOPS/MOMSnext is a place where every mom, regardless of race, rank, age or religion is welcomed and accepted, just as you are! While we are a Chapel group and we operate from a Christian perspective, we promise no preaching at you or guilt trips (mommy guilt or otherwise!) Our goal is to help you become the best woman, wife and mother you can be, no matter where you are in life right now.
8. I have a friend who wants to come with me, but she isn’t military. Can she come?
Belvoir MOPS is a Military MOPS group. Our focus is on the unique needs of military moms. There are several other classic MOPS groups in the area that we encourage your friend to attend. A full listing of local MOPS groups can be found using MOPS Group Search.
9. What exactly should I expect at a Belvoir MOPS meeting?
Belvoir MOPS is a place designed especially for moms! While no MOPS meeting is exactly the same, we generally follow the same format:
Each meeting typically has amzing food! We take turns making food and use a sign up so that each time it is diverse and filling!
While you eat, we promise that your food will be hot and you won't have to rush! Get to know your table group and enjoy being able to talk with other moms. You could even grab a second cup of hot coffee to enjoy with your dessert.
We usually have announcements before a speaker shares a relevant or inspiring topic geared toward this season in life.
Afterward, we discuss what the speaker talked about at our tables, or discussion groups. Each group is lead by a Discussion Group Leader and a Mentor Mom. These moms share their own experience and help guide conversation to provide practical tools and insight. We develop relationships and grow personally by confidentially and honestly sharing our triumphs and struggles.
We like to try new things and be creative. Some meetings will be centered around a craft or service project.
10. Is Belvoir MOPS a Bible Study?
No, Belvoir MOPS/MOMSnext is not a Bible study. We are faith-based, and this belief is a part of our meetings. Our mission is aligned with MOPS International: "To encourage and equip moms of young to realize their potential as mothers, women and leaders, in relationship with Jesus, and in partnership with the chapel." Therefore, our meeting time is spent providing respite, resources, and fellowship to moms. We want you to feel rejuvenated and prepared for the rewarding, but sometimes exhausting, work of being a mom.
For MOPS moms wanting to go deeper and study the Bible, Belvoir Chapel hosts CWOC and PWOC bible studies throughout the year. Visit the Belvoir Religious Support Office (RSO) for contact information for these groups.
11. Why am I assigned a table to sit at?
The spirit of MOPS/MOMSnext is that we moms need each other. Mothering is beautifully hard and mom friends are essential. The time in our discussion groups provides opportunities for honest conversation. We chose to sit in our discussion groups so that we can establish safe places for hard questions and honest answers. Our Discussion Groups get together for play dates and events outside of the MOPS meetings to deepen these new friendships.
12. How can I get more involved?
There are many opportunities for moms looking to be more involved! Whether as a member of the leadership or serving teams, as volunteer for service projects, or an extra set of hands to help with setting or cleaning up, please let us know if you'd like to help!
