I happen to be on the steering committee of our local MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers)group which meets every first and third Friday. Just call me Miss Hospitality because that is my role and don't even laugh.
Anyway, one of my silly little duties is to come up with a "Question of the Day" for our door prize. No deep philosophical riddles or questions that require long answers. Remember, we are talking about mothers of small children who need a break! Things like, "What is your favorite autumn ritual?" or, "When did your child(ren) start sleeping through the night?"--that sort of thing. Something that could generate discussion but is lighthearted in nature.
The MOPS year has just begun, but already I seem to have run out of inspiration. I need a question for this Friday's meeting. And I know there are some good ideas out there...in someone else's head.
- ljm
- ROCHESTER HILLS, MI, United States
- “These fragments I have shored against my ruins”
16 comments:
Ask them about the world view presented in the anime "Serial Experiments: Lain" and if it coincides with what they want for their kids.
That is my suggestion :)
Uh, yes....that might very well generate some questions...about my sanity!
Ask them why you haven't received your "Miss Hospitality" sash yet.
.... um... how about a question about favorite kids' books-- especially off-the-beaten-path ones. Or... maybe how they deal with the Santa Claus issue (perhaps you can phrase it, "What lies have you told your children in the name of holiday cheer?").
How do you win a door prize for a lighthearted discussion? Sounds pretty competitive...
Actually, I didn't explain it very well...everyone just writes down an answer and puts it in a box. Whoever's answer is picked is the winner and there is generally some discussion at that point.
I like the Santa Claus idea, although I could see that becoming a little controversial too...
"Relate an experience when your child REALLY embarrassed you."
"What foods does your child hate, and what do you do to trick him/her into eating them?"
"If you had one day with absolutely no familial/household duties or responsibilities, how would you spend it?" (at MOPS!!!)
"What do you dread most about raising your child in the future?"
Those are a few off-the-cuff responses. I could probably think of lots more better ones if I had a little more time (library closes in one minute...)
Ask if they spank their children.
Pat
"What are some of the funny words your child has come up with?" "What are your favorite Christmas traditions that you will continue with your kids?"
I am not sure who asaphat is, but great ideas! He/She has truly tapped into the heart of MOPS. A MOPS steering team somewhere would be overjoyed to have him/her. Sounds like a Hospitality Leader in the making! Beware Liane, your position might be snatched. I like the spanking idea. In my experience, questioning a mother's method of discipline always draws a group of women closer! You'll be the MOPS unity hero.
Yeah, Asaphat for MOPS committee ;)
How about a question about the most horrible labor/birth experiences? In my experience, this can keep a group of women occupied for hours.
--DJ
Ask them what are some simple domestic related ideas/solutions to help save time/streamline their life. I'm sure there's a better way of wording this..If you find out anything great, let me know...
Thanks everybody for the (mostly) great ideas! I now have a great supply for the year...and yes, Asaphat can take over my position any time, if so desired!
Your welcome! :) I think Asaphat would make a GREAT Mops leader, lol, heh, heh, heh...
I've discovered my life calling!!! Thank you, all, for your help. And for those, like Amy, who don't know who I am, I'm Craig, as in Neil and Elaine's Craig (and Kendra's).
A few more suggestions:
"Why did your parents choose your name?" (A recent icebreaker at our MOMS Club meeting. One lady was named from an Elvis movie.)
"Why did you choose your children's names?"
"If you could work at any career you wanted to for about a month, what would it be?"
"What were your favorite movies/books/music groups when you were a teenager?"
"Is your life now anything like you imagined it ten years ago?"
-- SJ
Darren, that's a good idea about labor stories. While I stand minding my own business waiting for Ethan outside his classroom, I have to endure select mothers who continuously interrupt each other in an effort to prove who suffered maximal pain/inconvenience. Also, extensive lists of physical ailments seem popular for public discussion as well. That never gets old.
Thanks Craig...I used your question about finicky eaters and how to address them. Lots of good ideas and general discussion.
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