Multiples Halloween Meet at Motions

(CNS): The Cayman Multiples Support Group for parents and expecting parents of twins, triplets and other multiples will be holding a Halloween Costume Party at Motions Unlimited Gym on Sparky Drive this Saturday, 23 October from 3:30pm to 5:00pm.The party is an opportunity for the kids to get together and play while the parents have a chance to chat with fellow parents about the unique challenges of raising multiples.Motions Unlimited has been host to several of the group’s family gatherings and is the perfect venue, offering gymnastic-themed activities for kids of all ages.

“Previous group meetings have attracted between 20 to 25 multiples and their siblings, and a similar number of parents and other family members,” said organiser Tim Dailey. “These events give parents the chance to chat informally while the youngsters get to participate in all the gymnastic activities. The facilities at Motions offer a fun way to introduce the children to active, healthy fun. Our get togethers can be multiple mayhem, but the kids all have a great time, burn off some steam, and the parents get a chance to chat with other parents and expecting parents. We have found the group to be particularly beneficial to new parents who can use othermembers as a sounding board for advice, tips and general support."

The Cayman Multiples Support Group was formed about five years ago to offer support to parents and expectant parents of multiples by providing casual gatherings for the parents and kids to chat in an informal environment with fellow parents.

“We don’t really have formal sit down meetings as most members prefer the casual approach,” Dailey said. Since its formation, the group has grown significantly with families welcoming new twins and others moving to the island with their families. Dailey noted that the transitional nature of the Cayman community means that parents come and go, and more often than not, those arriving not only are starting a new life, but often doing it without any friends and family assistance locally.

“The group tries to assist new families both those on island, and those arriving, by providing a forum for discussion as well as introducing families to others in similar circumstances raising multiples,” Dailey said.

Motions Unlimited has been particularly supportive of the group having been originally chosen for the wide variety of activities offered to the kids and the large open space provided for them, he said, adding, “There are activities for all age groups and the staff arrange a casual program to encourage the kids to keep moving and active.”

Many parents go on to join the gym’s extensive range of programs available daily and on weekends. “For many parents, the meetings are their first introduction to the gym’s facilities. Motions are very supporting of the group and we look forward to holding future meetings in the coming months,” said Dailey. There are about 30 to 35 known sets of twins and one set oftriplets on the island who have expressed interest in participating in the group’s activities.

“We welcome new parents and expectant parents to get in touch and join in,” he said, adding that members help each other cope with some of the unique challenges presented by having multiples.

For more information, contact Tim Dailey at 916-8005 or via e-mail at caymanmultiples@hotmail.com or tdailey@candw.ky.