Kids say the funniest things, don't they?  Our job as parents (besides loving them and taking care of them) is to help them develop into the people they are meant to be.  Parents are to provide stimulation, education, inspiration...that's all.  Just those simple tasks.  We're only growing and raising a human.  Oy, where's that Easy Button when we need it?  Well, MoCo is here to help. 

We've got some amazing teachers ready to help you stimulate those little brains to grow and help those little bodies move.  We have classes that will help you and your kids learn about music, language and life in new and different ways.  And we bet they'll end up saying the darndest things!  (And if they do say something funny, please share it with us!) 

We've been working hard to create a Fall calendar FULL of classes, groups and events (and there are several more events we aren't announcing yet).  Check them out below and online and sign up today!  It's great to have something to look forward to every day, so include a trip to MoCo in your plans each week. 

Most of our classes are now scheduled through the end of 2010 (and some through June 2011).  Browse through the descriptions below and find out what fits your schedule!   We're thrilled to announce that we've added some new groups, as well (a few of which might appeal to you):

Not-so-new Moms Group        Drop-in Playtime for Babies

Solo Moms Teatime                 Adoption Support Group

GLBT Family Playgroup

With all this planning for our Fall schedule, we realized that MoCo now offers about 40 FREE groups or events per month and about 70 fee-based classes/events per month!  Please spread the word about that to your doctors, midwives, nurses, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, massage therapists, social workers, psychologists and others who work with families.  We're committed to continuing to offer many free groups and events but to do that we need your support by shopping in our shop, our online store, taking our other fee-based classes and encouraging your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues to come to MoCo.  Thanks for your support and help in spreading the word about this little company in West Boylston.

We've been restocking the shop this month (see below for some featured products) and have some great items in store--some of which we've carried before and some that are new.  We also have some nursing shirts on consignment that you might want to check out.  Shop local instead of the big box store and you support families in your area.  Did you know that most of the moms who work at MoCo bring their babies to work (or did when their babies were younger)?  And we give back to the community as well-thanks for supporting your local maternity and parenting place.  We really appreciate it.

Do you know about the MoCo Membership program?  It'll save you hundreds of dollars.   More info on membership here.

MoCo Reads!

MoCo Reads! is a FREE weekly drop-in series for children ages birth to three years (siblings are welcome.) 30 minutes of reading and 30 minutes of playtime. We absolutely welcome book suggestions and guest readers (and we'll keep a list for future MoCo Reads! series). We will provide developmentally appropriate toys during playtime. Please RSVP today!

The next three Fridays (9/3, 9/10 and 9/17), 10:30 - 11:30, free.

Daddy & Me Time
Looking for some outdoor time with your little one(s)?  Join other dads on a walk down the West Boylston Rail Trail!  The weekend forecast calls for 80 degrees, sun and no chance of precipitation, so come on out!  It's free! 
Saturday, August 28, 2:00 pm

Swimming

Get your toddler or preschooler ready for an aquatic adventure in our warm spa pool!  Through songs and games, this class teaches tips and tricks to get your little one(s) pool-ready, incorporating the basics of water safety and an introduction to swimming basics.  One class in the pool at a time, it's awesome!

Monday or Saturday options. Class series start mid-September and mid-November. 

Water Fun for Toddlers

      For kids from walking- 3 years.

Water Fun for 3 & 4 Year Olds

      For three- and four-year-olds.

Stroller Boot Camp 

This is a four-week session, starting September 1.  It's a real workout, outdoors, WITH your child either in a carrier or a stroller.  There's a big group of moms to join...it's all about fun and fitness!  Feel free to register for a drop-in! 
New four-week session starts Wednesday, September 1^st at 2:45 pm in good weather  NEW TIME

Music & Movement for Toddlers
Experience the joys and benefits of creative movement, music, rhythm and song and play with fun props that keep you moving and improvising!  What a great way to encourage them to sing and dance with you.  Led by Patti. 
6-week session starts Wednesday, September 8

New Momma Again   NEW TIME

Do you have an older child and a new baby?  This is a change to hang out with other moms who have a baby and an older sibling.  It's an unstructured time to gather and make new friends or meet up with friends you already know (and you don't have to clean your house for this one!).
next one Wednesday, September 8, 1:00 pm 

Working Moms Group
Are you a working mom who'd love to meet other working moms and talk about all that is going on in your life as a mom who also works? Whether you work full-time or part-time, you are welcome to come. Bring your baby with you, or not. This is a drop-in group but online RSVPs appreciated. Free

Second Wednesday of the month, 5:30 - 7:00 pm.

Next one Wednesday, September 8

Multiples Joys & Challenges
A free meetup for families who have multiples.  Bring all the kids and meet other families who have twins, triplets or more!  Always the second Thursday of the month.  Lightly facilitated by either Cindy (mother of 13, including twins) or Claire (mother of twins).  Click on the event title above to RSVP. 
Thursday, September 9 at 2:00 pm   NEW TIME

Positive Discipline
Do you have moment where your child looks at you like this? 

This workshop focuses on the developmental stages of children from birth - 4 years old. The conversation will offer parents and caregivers the information, tools and strategies useful for teaching their young child socially acceptable behaviors. Led by Jennifer Lynch, who has led many workshops at MoCo before and received RAVE reviews!

Next one is Thursday, September 9

Nursing Beyond the First Year
A free meetup for moms and their children who are continuing their nursing relationship past one year.  Moms who have babies under a year are also welcome!  Click on the event title above to RSVP.
Friday, September 10 at 3:00 pm  NEW TIME

Birth Circle

Come hear birth stories.  If this isn't your first baby, share your story (if you want to share).  Guaranteed to make you smile, cry, laugh out loud and learn something.  Next one is Friday, September 17

Childproofing Essentials & Beyond 
Sure, you know about outlet plugs and some choking hazards, but do you know all the ins and outs of truly childproofing your home? Do you know how to keep your baby and toddler safe in the car? On an airplane? At a restaurant? At the playground? Learn from a child safety expert.  You'll be astounded at all there is to think about.  
Saturday, September 18

Music Together
Come dance and sing with real instruments and enjoy practicing during the week with the included book and CD.  Great for parents and kids aged 0 - 5!
Now 2 classes on Tuesday mornings:  9:45 am and 11:00 am
Starts September 28th.

Cloth Diaper Workshop

It's all over the news, cloth diapering is "in"!  While it's not for everyone, there are many myths and misperceptions about it.  And yes, it can save you thousands of dollars and they are so cute, too (see that cute pink diaper on that baby at the right).  Come find out the facts and figure out if it's right for your family's lifestyle.  Free. 

Selected Saturday afternoons or Thursday evenings.

Adventures in Toileting
This workshop is designed to offer moms and dads advice, support, strategies and tools to help facilitate toileting; helping your child independently move from diapers to "Big Girl/Boy Pants". You'll be pleasantly surprised to hear how children think and react around potty training and what you can do to make it fun and figure out when your child is ready! Led by Jennifer Lynch, who has led this workshop many times at Mothers & Company and gets RAVE reviews!

Next one is Thursday, October 7

Toddler Sign Language

Did you know that 2 year old children that use sign language have, on average, 50 more spoken words than non-signers? How about that a 3 year old signer speaks and understands at a 4 year old level??? If you are ready to take your signing to the next level please join us in this more advanced class. You do NOT need to be an expert by any means to attend this class. This class is intended for those who are currently signing with their child, at any level. 

Saturday, October 30

Pediatric First Aid

Sure, you know about the powerful benefits of mommy kisses and character band-aids, but would you know how to handle a more serious injury to your child?  Come find out how to be your own family's "medic" and be confident the next time there's a little or a big boo-boo. 

Tuesday, November 30
 
NEW Classes & Groups...spread the word...
                            

GLBT Family Playgroup

Does your baby have two moms? Two dads? However your family was created, if you are part of the GLBT community and are expecting a baby, have children or even grandchildren, this is the group for you! FREE but online RSVPs through link above are needed, thanks!

Next event is Saturday, September 11, 12:00 - 2:00