Mothers’ Group at Childcare
Aurora Early Education Doncaster runs a very successful mothers’ group, and these fun catch-ups are seriously beneficial for families.
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
Whether you’re nursing a newborn or juggling two-under-two, mothers’ group is a brilliant way to socialise with people who are also going through the ‘baby stage.’
Mothers’ group gives you access to an instant support network, so you can talk, laugh, share and overshare when it comes to all things parenting, and going to mothers’ group is also a great opportunity to learn about different childcare options.
You can see what second- or third-time parents recommend, and Aurora Early Education Doncaster is giving Melbourne mums a great first-hand experience!
This long day care is hosting a mothers’ group on site, which means families get to enjoy their purpose-built environment, professional expertise and amazing café menu!
The meet-ups are a great example of Aurora Doncaster’s community spirit, and their team first came up with the mothers’ group idea at one of their monthly operation meetings.
Centre Manager, Karishma, says, “We were discussing how we could help our local community to feel supported and connected.
“Kate and Haylee, two of our leadership team members, had recently come back from maternity leave and suggested we reach out to help new parents. And that is when we came up with the idea of a mother's group.”
There’s no doubt that early motherhood can be quite isolating at times, and Kate says, “We thought a mothers’ group would be a great opportunity for mums to get out of the house, and connect with other parents in a safe and comfortable environment.
“Our childcare centre has a nice warm private room, cots, toys, a nappy change table, bottle warmers and an in-house café, making it the perfect place for mums and bubs to be!”
The mothers’ group now meets once a month in Aurora Doncaster’s Moon Beam Studio, and the catch-ups have quickly become a massive success!
Between seven and 12 mums usually turn up with their little ones, sometimes with siblings in tow, and although no dads have come through the door as yet, they are very welcome.
Aurora Doncaster is more than happy to see the mothers’ group become a parents’ group, and they’re already making plans to run the group once a fortnight, rather than once a month – due to popular demand.
And it’s little wonder that families are loving these centre-based catch-ups.
The facilities at Aurora Doncaster are first-rate, and the team puts in lots of effort to ensure there are experiences that newborns, six-month-olds, preschoolers, Millennials and everyone will enjoy!
Kate says, “We have the room set up for all ages to explore.
“For the babies, we have musical instruments, rattles, rockers and large mats/rugs for tummy time!
“We also have art and craft, books, puzzles and other activities for any older age group that wishes to attend. We also have a yard that siblings can safely explore during our mothers' group sessions.”
It’s also great to know that the mothers’ group is facilitated by people with plenty of parenting and childcare experience!
Karishma explains that, “Kate (our Enrolments and Office Admin Support) runs our mothers' group, with the support of Emma (our Studio Leader and Administration Officer who also doubles up as a barista) and myself (Centre Manager)."
Together, they attend to any of the families’ needs – big or small.
This might mean organising coffees and snacks, offering advice or support, helping to set up a cot for sleep, or cuddling a bub while Mum goes to the bathroom!
Karishma says, “Kate is a new mum herself, so along with 15 years’ of experience in the early childhood industry, she can also connect and empathise with the other families and understand what they are going through.”
There are definitely lots of different experiences to share.
At this mothers’ group, there’s a great mix of first-time mums and those with two or three children; and while some of the families are enrolled at Aurora Doncaster, others are yet to embark on their childcare journey.
This opens up a great avenue for information-sharing, and although the mothers’ group is a community initiative, rather than a childcare enrolment gateway, Karishma says, “We have seen current mothers talk newer mothers through childcare – what to expect, ways to support the transition into care, and how to enhance partnerships between families and educators.”
The team has also noticed that the mothers’ group gives second-time mums a great chance to chat about their experiences, such as juggling two-under-two or supporting their older child to build responsibility for their younger sibling.
Regular attendee, Julie, says, “As a second-time mum, there wasn’t much support for me, other than playgroup, and I'm so grateful to Aurora Doncaster for this amazing opportunity to connect with other mums.
“We've shared laughs and camaraderie through all the joys and challenges of motherhood. It's been a safe space for us to get together, while our babies interact in a beautiful setting, and the delicious pastries and barista-made coffee are the cherry on top!”
All in all, this mothers’ group provides an ongoing opportunity for mums and bubs to connect, learn and share in amazing ways.
Another regular attendee, Michelle, says, “I’m so happy to have joined this group, where I’ve made new friends, and so has my baby!
“There is nothing more precious than watching our babies in the group grow each time we meet, and realising that we are not alone in the journey of parenting.”
And another mums' group regular, Diyana, definitely agrees with this.
She says, “It’s great to meet other parents, both new and recurring, and hear about their experiences. Talking to someone other than your infant can be reassuring, since it lets you realise that there are other people out there going through similar struggles.
"And the best part is that my child gets to socialise and make new friends as well!"
It’s so great to see the positive impact that Aurora Doncaster is making with this mothers’ group, and if you’re in Melbourne and keen to join, then you’re very welcome.
Aurora Doncaster runs the mothers’ group on a Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 11am, and you can enquire about the next meeting date – or a childcare place – through KindiCare.
Simply select Aurora Early Education Doncaster in the KindiCare app or kindicare.com and click the ‘Make Enquiry’ button.
