Mothers share the responsibility of supervising the new Mother-Tot leisure hour. Note the large piece of play equipment which is not found in the average home.

ON BLUSTERY DAYS during the past 9 months, a visitor to Evanston's Boltwood Community Center might have encountered the happy hubbub caused by some 35 young mothers and half again as many toddlers enjoying a gymnasium filled with large play apparatus. He would have been observing the Mother-Tot Leisure Hour, a successful new programming concept developed by the Evanston Recreation Department in response to a formal request by 45 women of the community.

The activity differs from all prior nursery schools, tot lots and pre-school playcenters offered by the City in that all participating mothers attend with their own children, remain with them throughout the playtime experience and take full responsibility for both the children and the equipment involved.

After several consultations with the petitioners, Recreation Director, Donald J. Wirth and Mrs. Emily Palmer, his appointee as the liaison recreation supervisor, an 8-week "pilot" program was introduced last October (1971). The ladies who had enjoyed the company of each other and their children in City parks during the summer, asked for a place suitable for a similar recreational opportunity when cold weather precluded outside play for young children.

Arrangements were made for the use of a gymnasium from 9 to 11:30 a.m. three days a week. At the designated hours the community center was open for other programs and a custodian on duty so the Department did not incur any out-of-pocket expenses.

From the start the program was envisioned as one without formal structure. No food was to be served. The only behavior rule read "no child will be permitted to interfere with the enjoyment of others." The other firm regulation was "no mother is allowed to send her child or children with someone else." Those enrolled could attend all or any part of the allocated time.

The women set a fee of $6.00 per mother for the initial term

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and $2.00 for any succeeding enrollments. This money was all earmarked for desired play equipment. This included a large wooden climbing devise, a rocking boat for four, a long plastic tunnel, teeter chairs, walkers, busy boxes, several rocking horses, pedal cars of assorted sizes, doll buggies, wagons, tricycles, and a 2-foot slide. The women preferred "large" toys "because most of us are apartment dwellers or young-marrieds with small houses that can't provide such things."

Because of the enthusiastic reception accorded the first 8 weeks, two similar sessions running from January through April were scheduled. Enrollments for the three terms were 64, 66 and 69 mothers, respectively, with around 85 children involved each term. Total attendance for each 8-week series averaged 531 with approximately 35 mothers present at any given time.

Any visitor to the Mother-Tot Leisure Hour quickly notes that both mothers and children obviously feel free to enjoy as much or as little "togetherness" with each other and their peers as suits the mood. Play by both generations varies from very active to completely passive. Mothers usually join their children part of the time and, as the youngsters become totally absorbed by another child or some toy, they slip over to a semicircle of folding chairs that hedge the gym on one side. Here they may knit, crochet, chat or scan a book while keeping the boys and girls in view. Mothers may even wander over to the sidelines and try fielding a few baskets. On the rare occasions when a custody dispute over a toy develops, the concerned mothers quickly step forward to insure peaceful arbitration.

"Room to run and play—big toys unavailable at home—congenial playmates—a place with a minimum of no-no's," according to one mother, "spell happiness for both generations."

"From a recreation professional's standpoint," Wirth states, "the program is outstanding in two ways. First there is tremendous satisfaction in being able to please your public by tailoring a program precisely to their needs. The second triumph is achieving a successful new program at practically no cost because dependable volunteers and professional leaders have blended their talents in complete harmony. It is anticipated that this program will be expanded to two sites next fall so more mothers and children can be accommodated."

A new approach to an old program is well received in Evanston. The Evanston Recreation Division provides the facility and equipment, while mothers furnish the children and supervision. Both children and mothers enjoyed the program which just concluded its first year.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 13 May/June, 1972