Realising there were few resources for local mothers to answer such questions, the 32-year-old came up with the idea of creating a Facebook group for mothers who also longed to network and share ideas. And so, Trini Moms was born. The Facebook page allows almost 1,200 local mothers to discuss issues, share information, and create a web of support with each other. Topics discussed are as varied as the women themselves, and include reviews on birthing centres, paediatric doctors and dentists, second-hand items for sale, good schools, ideas for meals and lunch kits, housekeepers and nannies, children’s activities, literacy, and support for single mothers or those whose husbands work offshore or abroad.
For Camacho, balancing motherhood with her job as regional inventory controller for a marine company is hectic, as she travels frequently. But she remains committed to Trini Moms, in which she is ably assisted by her friend, Kelly Poon Tip, who helps her research, sort and circulate information to the rest of the group. Happily, Trini Moms is for the most part self-regulating, as members are free to open discussions and swap information among themselves. Mothers also post and promote their small businesses, such as local catering services, party planning, kids’ clothing for sale, local garage sales, etc.
Children should be stimulated
Camacho believes passionately that children should be positively stimulated and challenged, and that it is up to us as parents to keep them occupied with constructive and fun activities essential to their social and mental development. However, as our society becomes more sedentary and addicted to electronic devices (and more reluctant to venture out due to the current crime situation and the high price of entertainment), children aren’t as active. They’re less likely to explore their world. She hopes that through the group, women will have greater access to the knowledge and resources needed to raise a well-rounded, contented child.
In fact, she has branched into other related areas. She will soon be re-launching Trini-moms.com, which she started last year but suspended due to time constraints. The site features a newsletter with current and relevant information. It includes Mommy Classifieds, where members can buy or sell new or second-hand items, Mommy Yellow Pages, a local directory listing of products and services for raising kids; informative articles, and a discussion forum on a variety of mommy-friendly topics. For this venture, she intends to seek corporate sponsorship and advertising. She has also launched a new project, Trini Kids Storytime, a fun package offered for a small fee at Pizza Boys Glencoe, where children listen to stories and take part in crafts and activities. Sessions are open to kids two years and over, and are enjoyed by parents and kids alike. Her friend, Amanda DeGannes, runs the sessions.
Network of support
Trini Moms also extends its resources and its heart to the children of the Amica House for Girls in Curepe by spreading the word about the Home’s needs and offering additional support. Amica will be holding its annual fundraiser soon, Camacho adds, and they are always in need of clothing and fun kids’ activities or outings for the girls. She encourages WomanWise readers to visit the Trini Moms page to find out how they can support the valuable contribution that Amica is making to the lives of these children.
“I use Trini Moms’ resources constantly,” Camacho says, “it’s amazing how many things we mothers know and share!” It seems that hundreds of other women agree. The response has been hugely positive, and the group is growing by the day. She is convinced that the network she and all the members have created is of great value, and welcomes all moms and moms-to-be “and yes, daddies, grandmas and aunties, too” to join the Trini Moms group on Facebook and be a part this huge network of support devoted to the care, protection and nurturing of what we value most: our children.
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