Hello Mamas & Parents!

I am hosting a support, play, and care group at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library - Hayes Room - from 10:30 am-12 pm on Monday mornings in March. (First one begins this Monday, March 6th.) The intention of this group is to gather with our littles and get to know each other and support each other. I envision that support can come in the form of playing together, talking with each other about whatever we need to get off our chest, and something that I would most love as we get to know each other - support in the form of care exchange. This group is intended to allow each of us mamas* to be able to step out of the room into the serenity of the library for a time period within our comfort zone, while other adults in the room keep a sharp eye on all of the littles. Speaking for myself, time away from my babies in order to organize my thoughts and plan for whatever I need to plan for is integral to my being present in a good and grounded way while with my babies. 15 minutes of emails in - a to-do list written - a 10 minute meditation in a quiet section of the library! Whatever it is that you need to do for YOU while your little one is in the care of other responsible adults, within the safe and peaceful space that that Hubbard library provides us as a community, is part of the ultimate intention to this group. I will bring some wooden toys, a couple of musical instruments, some drawing materials, and of course – we'll have library books!

For anyone interested in joining, please feel free to just pop on in - also feel free to reach out to me ahead of time with any questions/ideas and bring some activities for us to use during the time that we have.

Email is a good way to reach out – bower.abigail@gmail.com

Some background to my idea:

It is no secret that there is a crisis of insufficient childcare in Vermont. Not only is it incredibly difficult to find childcare at all, but when we do, it is unaffordable for many of us.

I moved here to Montpelier just over a year ago. I am deeply in awe of being able to watch my 2.5 year old and 9 month old grow every day - and for us to teach each other every day. Simultaneously, I would like more childcare.

I am an ambitious young woman. I work in theatre and am studying for a masters degree in psychology and expressive arts therapy. I am currently on extended leave of absence due to lack of childcare for my youngest. Having babies during the covid pandemic tore me away from the workforce in a rather aggressive way. The cycle of pandemic spiral, needing to care for our littles and keep them safe as well as programming being shut down for 2 years, and the vicious cycle of needing childcare in order to participate in the workforce full or part time//needing to participate in the workforce full or part time in order to afford childcare has awakened me to the hypocrisies that live deep in the systems of oppression in this country. I believe that the surest way to break through the system's vicious cycle bs is to support each other in a grass roots way. I welcome conversation, feedback, and ideas. Cheers!

*I am a mama, and have directed this mostly to "mamas" as this is where I identify when it comes to my personal experience of struggle and need. However this is not exclusive and is open to mamas, papas, and caregivers along with their littles alike. I am genuinely curious to see what kind of a magical group we can gather!

Cheers,

Abigail

Apr 21, 2024, 4 to 5 PM

Apr 22, 2024, 10 AM to 12 PM

Apr 25, 2024, 5 to 6 PM