After coming out of the haze of the newborn stage, you might find yourself looking around and wondering “what now?” While you’ll still have your child-free friends and family to support you, you might start to long for some “mom friends.”
Why Are “Mom Friends” Important?
Having friends that are moms like you is an incredible thing. After all, no one else will understand the demands of motherhood quite like a fellow mama. It can be eye-opening and wonderful for your mental health to chat with other moms about your struggles, parenting wins, and difficult emotions. And it can feel incredibly cathartic to relate to others going through similar highs and lows of motherhood and know you aren’t alone.
If you already have friends or relatives that have babies, make it a point to connect with them whenever you need some support, advice, or company. It’s also important to note, mom friends don’t always have to have kids the exact age as yours. Veteran moms of older children have walked this path before you. They can be wonderful resources.
If you don’t have many moms in your friendship circle yet, we encourage you to make some! We know it’s easier said than done. The truth is, for many people making new friends as an adult can feel a bit awkward—but we’ve got your back, mama. Here are a few of our best tips on meeting and befriending other moms in your area.
Get Outside
It’s beneficial for your baby to spend time outside, so break out the stroller, take a walk in your neighborhood, and see who’s around. You just might run into some other mamas doing the same thing. Introduce yourself and your baby to neighbors with little ones that you might not have met before, or reintroduce yourself to anyone you may have met in passing previously. Don’t live in a neighborhood? This same thing works at your local park. Once your baby is big enough to sit up on their own, they can enjoy some swinging while you strike up a conversation with other moms.
Join a Mommy and Me Class
Music, gymnastics, swimming, yoga—you name the activity, and there’s likely a mommy and me class available for it. Signing up for mommy and me classes is a great way to introduce your little one to some new, stimulating experiences while you get a chance to have some adult interaction. Most classes are created for little ones of similar age groups, so it’s highly likely you’ll be alongside parents that are at very similar stages as you and your family. Story time at your local library is wonderful for this reason as well — and it’s usually free!
Find a Local Mom Group
Finding a mom group in your area can be as easy as running a quick search on the Internet or social media. Many communities have local “mom group” chapters that meet up for play dates, exercise, and social events (with and without the kids). If you’re having trouble finding a mom group nearby, check with your local library, community center, or even your child’s health-care provider’s office for information.
Say Yes
Once you’ve started putting yourself out there, it’s important to say “yes” to opportunities to spend time with other moms and their babies (even if you’re shy or introverted by nature). If you’re invited to tag along with another group of moms at the library, or someone asks you to meet up at the playground again, just say yes. Making friends as an adult may feel a little outside of your comfort zone, but having your baby with you may make it easier. You can make conversation about your little ones if you aren’t sure what you will talk about. And you just never know how you’ll get along with another mom until you try.
Be Forward
If you find yourself waiting for a fellow mom to ask you for a play date and it just hasn’t happened yet, find some courage and be the one to do the asking. Ask a mom that you’ve interacted with a few times if they’d like to grab a coffee, take a walk, or meet up at a park someday. We know it can feel awkward and uncomfortable…but chances are, there are other mamas that are feeling exactly the same way.
After meeting more moms in your area, you’ll start to form bonds that can lead to valuable friendships for both you and your little one. There will always be other moms that you are friendly with, but won’t necessarily become your best friends. And that’s ok! The more fellow parents you meet, the more chances you’ll have to make a true friend, and build up your mama tribe.