Mothers' Day Out: This Program Will Help You and Your Kids in One Fell Swoop

If you are a parent, then you have probably heard of the Mothers’ Day Out program. It is usually for children between two and four years of age, and occurs once, twice, or three times per week. Churches are usually the hosts of this program, and it typically lasts from around nine o’clock in the morning until two or three in the afternoon.

When Mothers’ Day Out first began, it was meant as a kind of baby-sitting service for stay-at-home mom’s who needed a break during the day to run errands and take time for themselves. Teenagers and young adults ran the program, and essentially just made sure that the children didn’t hurt themselves for several hours. There was no real structure to the program; no curriculum or schedule of events.

Now, things have changed. Most Mothers’ Day Out programs are used as a preparation for childrens’ first year of school. They plan field trips, schedule projects, and learn essential skills for your child’s development. They sing songs, do simple arts and crafts, and most even have an end-of-the-year program when the students learn a play or musical. It is a great way for your child to learn social skills and discipline before they head off to kindergarten.

Many children have problems during their first year of school getting used to teachers, other students, organized projects, and – of course – naptime. They don’t understand why their parents have suddenly abandoned them at this unfamiliar place for several hours a day, and why they are told to listen to someone they don’t know rather than Mommy or Daddy.