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Neighborhood report
Club helps mothers escape the nursery
The MOMS support group gives women a chance to be social and overcome the stay-at-home blues.
By ELIZABETH MILLER
Published September 16, 2005
NORTHDALE - In her other life, Bonnie Eaton advised symphonies and museums on their arts education programs. She used her talents and talked to grown-ups on a daily basis.
With the birth of daughter Emma, that all changed. The former consultant for arts administration went from life in the real world to what sometimes felt like solitary confinement.
"My working life was my lifeline to the outside world," said Eaton, now a full-time stay-at-home mom in Carrillon Estates. Immersed in diaper duty and nap schedules, Eaton felt like "a fish out of water."
Among her papers sent home from the hospital three years ago in North Carolina was information about Moms Offering Moms Support , a group for stay-at-home mothers. The club helped Eaton feel connected to life outside her laundry baskets and bassinet.
MOMS, which has chapters in the United States and abroad, offers monthly activities like playgroups, arts and crafts, a moms' night out and field trips for kids. Finding a local chapter was Eaton's first order of business when she moved to the Tampa area in January.
"You can feel really isolated," said Eaton, now membership vice president of the Carrollwood chapter. "You're desperate to talk to other people who are going through what you're going through."
MOMS groups meet today in Westchase, Lutz and New Tampa as well as Carrollwood. The Carrollwood chapter is having an open house in Northdale on Tuesday for women interested in joining.
"Especially when you're in a new community, it's a great way to start meeting people," said Eaton.
The open house will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Northdale Recreation Center, 15550 Spring Pine Drive. There will be refreshments and demonstrations from local mom-friendly businesses such as Gymboree, Kindermusik, FasTracKids and PartyLite Gifts.
- For more information, call Eaton at 349-9686 or go to www.momsclub.org to find a chapter in your neighborhood.
[Last modified September 15, 2005, 11:02:11]
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