By MARGO HORNER, The Mirror

The days can get long for some stay-at-home moms with young children bursting with energy.

And with tight budgets, activities such as toddler gymnasiums can become expensive.

So what’s a mother to do?

A group of Federal Way women found the answer with a new Mainly Music group in Federal Way.

The group aims to use music and dance to inspire, entertain and educate children from infants to 5-year-olds. Parents are also encouraged to participate and socialize with one another.

“I was just looking for something that I could do with my child that was educational and fun,” said Sharon Addis, who organized the group.

The Federal Way Mainly Music group is the first in Washington state and the 10th in the country. The program originated in New Zealand and is popular internationally.

The program includes sing-alongs and dancing. At the group last week, participants sang the popular children’s song “Head, shoulders, knees and toes,” among others. They also played parachute games with a large sheet of lycra material and practiced counting hats.

After the musical games are completed, the parents are encouraged to stay for coffee or tea and chat while the children play with toys.

Addis said children who participate develop motor skills, imagination, math and reading skills.

Parents who participated last week said the group was a great opportunity to get out of the house.

“I don’t want them to just sit at home. They’re old enough that they need to stay busy,” said Lacrecia Hill, who brought her two children, ages 1 and 2.

“I just think it’s good for any mom who’s at home during the day,” Hill said. “They have fun and I have a break.”

Contact Margo Horner: mhorner@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.

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Check it out:

The Mainly Music group is held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Our Savior’s Baptist Church in Federal Way. There is a $5 cost per family. Snacks are included. For more information, call Sharon Addis at (253) 835-7393 or e-mail sleeplessinseattle2005@hotmail.com.