West Bank MOMS Club

The boxes are unpacked, the new curtains are hung in the windows and the  pantry has been filled.  The flurry of activity involved in moving has subsided.  You are a new resident in an unfamiliar city with small children - wondering, What now?

Any move can be difficult, but if you are relocating to a new city as a stay at home mom, it can be even harder to adjust.  Spending your days at home with the kids can make it tough to meet new people and make new friends.  With four children of my own, I can relate to the stress of just being a mom.  Being a mom in a new town with no support system of friends and family to help out would be, I’m sure, overwhelming.  BUT, there’s good news!  When relocating to the West Bank of New Orleans, whether for a civilian or military relocation, there is a solution for the stay at home mom who is new to the city.

MOMS Club of Metairie - South Chapter is a terrific resource for all stay at home moms, whether you are new to the area or a life long resident.  A support group for stay at home moms, the Club provides organized outings for mothers where, of course, the kids are always welcome!  The Metairie chapter of the MOMS Club serves the West Bank of New Orleans, including Algiers, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and Belle Chasse.

No more wondering, what will we do today?  The MOMS Club meets at least two times a week (and sometimes as many as 5), usually at a local park or McDonald’s, with other outings scheduled throughout the month.  An example of some of the organized outings are the Audubon Zoo, the Aquarium of the Americas, local libraries during reading or craft times and more.  Play dates and luncheons at member’s homes are also scheduled throughout the year and members are encouraged to suggest new places to go and things to see that are mom and kid friendly.  And, since your membership doesn’t end when the kids reach school age, wouldn’t these outings be a great field trip resource for parents who choose to home school their children?

When all is said and done, even the most dedicated stay at home mom sometimes needs an evening to herself….a little me time.  Once a month, the MOMS Club members have a mother’s night out, where members get together to relax and chat, whether over dinner and drinks or at a movie.   And for those moms who are ill, recovering from surgery or at home with a new little bundle of joy, the MOMS Club Meal Coordinator organizes the preparation and delivery of home cooked meals.  What I wouldn’t have given to have someone help with dinner when I had a newborn to take care of!

For those looking for a way to serve their new community, the MOMS Club organizes several service projects each year.  Past projects have included  collecting donations for the local battered women’s shelter and participation in Project Linus, an organization that donates new, handmade blankets and afghans to children who are seriously ill or in need.  This is a great way to get involved in giving back to your new community while still connecting with other stay at home moms and their kids.

So, unpack those boxes, hang those curtains and contact the MOMS Club of Metairie.  They will be happy to join me in welcoming you to New Orleans!

Update 5/1/2008:  There is also a Westbank Meetup/Playgroup for moms and kids.  Check out their website to join or to get more information.

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When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyer, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

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