Moving to a new city can be scary. Moving to a new city with a child in tow and a spouse working to get a Wharton MBA can be even scarier.
The Wharton Kids Club was created to alleviate those fears. Formed over three years ago, Wharton Kids Club provides a social network for parents and children who have family members attending Wharton.
With organized activities and events, the group tries to form a tight-knit community that gives advice and support to all of its members.
The group -- currently composed of about 60 families -- hopes to expand by providing more activities for new mothers, such as putting them in touch with other members to address any questions they might have.
For most members, Wharton Kids has become a vital part of their lives while their spouses are earning their degrees.
"My best friends in Philly are from Wharton Kids," says former program board member and mother of two Sarah Bates, adding that "without it, graduate school would be a really, really hard experience."
Other members also say that the club offers a warm welcome.
"Wharton families move here from all over the country, and when you get here, there are so many questions," Wharton Kids board member Vlasta Hillger says.
Hillger moved from San Francisco in August with her husband and their 10-year-old son. She was apprehensive at first, but during Welcome Weekend at Penn, she found out about Wharton Kids. She quickly joined, thinking it was "a way for us to get to know people."
Hillger describes the group as her "main social network" and praises the activities the club organizes.
Every Wednesday, the club has an activity for children around the Philadelphia area. These can range from a visit to the Philadelphia Zoo to story time at a local library.
"This really helps with the transition," Bates says. "It immediately gives your kids a group of friends since everyone is in the same boat."
Mothers also have activities with a monthly "girls' night out" where they go to dinner or a movie together. On these nights, mothers do not need to worry about babysitting or household chores. "Our husbands take care of it," Hillger says. "They realize how hard it is for many of us to move here."
However, what many of the children enjoy the most are activities that include their busy Wharton parents, according to Bates. Monthly parties attended by the entire family are the highlight of the club.
"Our most popular event is the Halloween party where children and fathers trick-or-treat at professors' offices," Bates says.
"The dads like to show off their kids, and it's fun for kids to see their dads on campus."
Members currently range from working to stay-at-home mothers and even include expecting mothers.
Members say that having mothers at different stages of parenthood only increases the cohesiveness of the club, with experienced members welcoming new arrivals.
"When we first came in August, those starting their second year were supportive ... I don't know what I would have done without them," Hillger says.
Wharton Kids provides both a social group and gives practical advice as well. Parents have used the club to find babysitters, employment opportunities and referrals.
Hillger found both a pediatrician for her son and a doctor for herself through the club.
The club also offers a "Wharton Partner Survival Guide" that gives information about the area and possible activities to do with kids.
