LEGO

Are You a Mother of Multiples? Do I Have a Group for You!

June 9, 2008 | 2 Comments

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The NWA Mother’s of Multiples is a group of 70+ moms of twins, triplets, or more.  Their regular meeting is held the last Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM at the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. The July meeting will be an open house with snacks and door prizes.  That might be the perfect time to see if the group is right for you. 

For more information you can contact Becky Seauve at seauvefamily@cox.net.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Local Parenting or Kid Related Groups 

Moms.meetup.com

February 23, 2008 | 1 Comment

If you are looking for ways to meet other moms in Northwest Arkansas, you may want to try Moms Meet Up, a directory of local playgroups and other “meet ups”.  Here are the existing groups and current sizes:

Click on the names of the groups above to find out more and join if you like.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Local Parenting or Kid Related Groups 

Fayetteville Public Schools New Parent Network Kickoff

February 5, 2008 | 1 Comment

The Fayetteville Public Schools have started a New Parent Network for parents of children ages birth to 5.  The idea is to get parents involved and informed on their kids’ future education.

The Network’s kick off event is scheduled for Saturday, February 16th at 10:30a.m. at the Fayetteville Public Library. 

Faculty members from the University of Arkansas’ Early Care & Education Projects will present information about how to lay a good foundation for your child’s development.  ”Making Connections” will be presented by Marietta Baltz, a specialist in development for very young children (infants to age 2), followed by “Early Literacy,” presented by Deniece Honeycutt, a specialist in pre-school age children (ages 2 to 5).  

Topics will include:
• Q & A session for parents 
• How to help your child prepare for school
• How to pick a good day care or pre-school
• Ideas to promote positive experiences with books

Click here to go to the Fayetteville Public Schools’ webpage and learn more about the New Parent Network.

  • What: Ask the Experts! An Information Session for Parents of Young Children
    (from birth to age 5)
  • When:  Saturday, Feb 16th at 10:30 
  • Where:  In the Walker Community Room at the Fayetteville Public Library

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Local Parenting or Kid Related Groups 

NWA Playgroup

January 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I received this message from Kara, a Life+Kids reader and organizer of the NWA Playgroup: 

NWA Playgroup is a free playgroup for moms & non-school age children in  the Northwest Arkansas area. We usually have at least 3 activities each week on 
our calendar. We try to schedule a variety of events but some of our regular 
events include Baby Bookworm at the library, Fun City pizza once a month, mall  meetups, taking walks together, and a monthly Mom’s Night Out. We even have a book club for moms that meets once a month.

Come join us! It’s a great way to  make new mommy friends and for your little
one to make new friends & learn  how to socialize with other little ones.
We are a very friendly group and  would love to meet you! :)

~Kara Ault
Organizer

Sounds like fun!  If you would like more information, click here to go to the NWA Playgroup homepage.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Local Parenting or Kid Related Groups 

Gluten-Free Diet Support Group

December 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment

I received an email from Melanie Faught, president of a local support group called Raising Our Celiac Kids (ROCK).  Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.   It is
triggered by consumption of the protein called gluten, which is found in wheat,
barley and rye. 

The support group has members of all ages, from 2 to 80.  They exchange information about gluten-free products, where to buy them, gluten-free friendly restaurants & gluten-free recipes.  

The group meets bimonthly and has an online yahoo group called ArkansasROCK that is a great online local resource for coping with a gluten-free diet.

If you are interested in learning more about this group, contact Melanie at melaniefaught@cox.net.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Local Parenting or Kid Related Groups 

Friendship Family Program

August 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Friendship Family program, sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars at the University of Arkansas, is a great way to expose your family to a different culture without making the commitment of hosting an exchange student.

The program works like this:  Your family is matched with an international student at the University and you commit to interacting with the student once a month during the school year.  You can have them over for dinner, take them out to eat or just hang out — the idea is to let them see how Americans really live.  You are also exposed to other exchange students and cultural events hosted by the international student association, including an international dinner that is very kid friendly with food and traditional entertainment from around the world. 

The program has placed 52 students with host families, but still has a few students from countries such as South Korea, China, Bahamas, Austria, Japan, Indonesia and India who still need families.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, contact   

Cynthia Smith & Matthew Sokoloski
Friendship Family Program
Office of International Students and Scholars
Email:frndfam@uark.edu 
Phone 575-5003 Message 575-6665

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, Local Parenting or Kid Related Groups 

Mothers of Preschoolers Meetings in Fayetteville

June 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment

I ran across this information from the Fayetteville Mothers of Preschoolers ("MOPS") chapter:

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom - urban, suburban and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms - moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs.

You are invited to join us!
Criteria~Must have at least 1 child preschool or under

When: Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, beginning Sept. 7, 2007
Time: 9:30-11:30am
Where: Central Untied Methodist Church on Dickson St in Fayetteville.
Why: Because Mothering Matters or because you need 2 hours of "Mommy Time" with other mommies while your child is being tended to by the church nursery staff

For more information, contact brandypower@sbcglobal.net

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Local Parenting or Kid Related Groups 

Northwest Arkansas International Families

March 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment

I have several friends who have adopted children internationally, but I was not aware of Northwest Arkansas International Families until recently.  NAIF is a group for families who have adopted, or are in the process of adopting, internationally.  They have over 100 members, and provide resources and support to families in all stages of the adoption process.

You can find out more information and apply for membership online.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Local Parenting or Kid Related Groups 

Fayetteville Magician’s Club

March 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Do you or does your older child have an interest in magic?  If so, consider joining the Fayetteville Magician’s club.  They meet on the 4th Monday of every month from 6:30-7:30pm in the Board Room of the Fayetteville Public Library.  Beginners and experts, ages 12 to adult are welcome.  The theme for the March meeting is the "paddle move."

For more information contact Doug Krueger at amazindoug@aol.com.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Local Parenting or Kid Related Groups