In
”
the good old days
”
of golden memory, people lived in the communities where they
grew up, surrounded by family and friends.
 They could rely on this comfortable network when children came
along, supported by the accumulated wisdom of those around
them.
In “the good old days” of golden memory, people lived in the communities where they grew up, surrounded by family and friends. They could rely on this comfortable network when children came along, supported by the accumulated wisdom of those around them.
In 21st century Silicon Valley, however, things aren’t quite like that. Many residents are new to the area, and family and friends are far away. Raising children can become a lonely and anxiety-producing experience.
A new group has recently formed in Gilroy to address this situation. Moms -N- Tots meets the first Monday of each month at the First Baptist Church, 8455 Wren Ave. It is open to all, regardless of religious affiliation.
This group is the brainchild of Julie Arendt, an English-language learner teacher at El Toro School in Morgan Hill. When she gave birth to her daughter, Gracie, nearly eight months ago, Julie realized how many questions she had about child-rearing. She started thinking how much fun it could be to share ideas, frustrations and feelings with other mothers.
Moms -N- Tots is very informal. One afternoon every month, women and children (ages five and younger) meet at the church for some friendly socializing. Since the group has just begun, ideas are welcome concerning how to develop it. Suggestions being considered so far include:
– picnics in the park
– shopping at the mall
– visits to Bonfante Gardens
– viewing videos together
– getting mom and child photos taken
– inviting speakers like pediatricians.
In the future, members might add Bible studies or family picnics. But for now, the focus is on gathering mothers and their young children in a welcoming, comfortable environment to share common experiences and concerns.
Moms-n-Tots
– What: The next meeting of Moms -N- Tots
– When: 12:30pm, March 6
– Where: First Baptist Church, 8455 Wren Ave. in Gilroy
– Details: The afternoon will include craft-making featuring the children’s hand prints.
– Info: (408) 847-6000
