10 Ways to Meet other Mom Friends
Since becoming a mother, I have never valued relationships with other mom friends more than I do now. When my first baby was born, I was new to our area and I reflect on those days as being quite lonely. Even though I was around new mothers working as a childcare provider, it was difficult to shift those relationships from professional to personal.
I feel extremely grateful to now have a group of mom friends that I trust and depend on for all motherhood’s various ups and downs. It’s essential to have those around you who understand that sometimes your house will be a mess, the laundry isn’t always done, you’re running a few minutes late, or you may leave your child’s lunchbox on the kitchen counter every now and then, too. It’s all a part of motherhood. No matter how “put together” you may seem, there are days when it seems like it all falls apart. It’s essential to have people around you who understand and commiserate with you but still build you up during those times.
Building a support group of mom friends when you’re new in town or anytime can be a great way to establish connections and find a community. Here are 10 ways to help you get started:
Meeting Mom Friends Through Your Child’s Activities
1). Go to local library story time sessions. Most libraries have a story time where your child can listen to a storyteller, and you can meet other mothers in your neighborhood. Even if you’re unable to attend the regularly scheduled storytime, mothers tend to bring their children to the library throughout the day. Take the initiative to strike up a conversation. Most people would prefer others to approach them so they don’t have to initiate a conversation. Remember, don’t take it personally if another parent doesn’t engage with you. There could be any number of legitimate reasons they don’t want to chit-chat. Keep trying to start the conversation because many other mothers are in the same position as you, wishing they had more support around them.
2). Check out local parks and playgrounds in your area. Many mothers are just trying to get their kids out of the house for the day (or the evening). And lots of other mothers would love to trade stories about their toddler’s crazy antics that week.
3). If your child is old enough and interested, encourage your child to get involved in a team sport. Team sports are amazing for children’s gross motor skills and social skills. Plus, they learn great life skills. Sports parents are often very social, too, so it’s a great place to try to make friends with other moms.
Meeting Mom Friends from Activities For Parents and families
4). Attend a local parenting workshop or seminar in your area. Everyone in the class is likely to be dealing with many of the same issues and behaviors that you are dealing with in your family. These can be great bonding experiences as you learn that others are dealing with the exact same problems you are. Also, many parents who attend these seminars are open to building a support group.
5). Get involved in a local church. I understand that not everyone is a person of faith, so if that’s you, disregard it. But if getting involved in a church interests you, the church is a great place to find people who have values similar to yours, which is helpful when seeking parenting advice and support from others.
6). Attend local farmer’s markets, festivals, or fairs, where you’ll meet people that have similar interests. If you’re into gardening, the farmer’s market would be a fantastic place to meet other mom friends who like to garden. If you really love jazz music, going to a jazz festival would be the perfect place to meet other families that share a similar passion.
7). Join a local fitness class for moms. If you join a class specifically for mothers, you’ll be more likely to meet people like you who have children, have an interest in something specific, and want to meet others. Again, be the one to start conversations and see who you connect with personally.
Meeting and nurturing friendships from hosting
8). If your spouse or another family member can care for your children for a couple of hours each month, consider starting a book club in your area. Bonding around books you’ve read is a great way to get to know other mothers. In the past, I’ve participated in book clubs, and most of the time, the conversation naturally shifts to a more personal level.
9). If your child is in a local school or early learning center, talk with other parents at drop-off and pick-up. Ask if other moms are open to a weekend play date or BBQ. If a child in your child’s class has a birthday party, make the effort to go so you can get to know the other parents at your child’s school. Also, be sure to attend any events that the school or childcare hosts.
10). Host a coffee or play date with other moms in your home. Invite other mothers you’ve met (they can even bring a friend) to see if you all connect. Try to make it a regular meet-up for coffee or visit the local parks together in your area.
Exploring various ways to meet new people can broaden your social circle, increasing the chances of connecting with others who truly understand you. Take an interest in the mothers around you—ask thoughtful questions and practice active listening when they share their experiences. Most people enjoy talking about themselves and their children, so show genuine curiosity about their lives and how they navigate the challenges of parenting. By embracing this curiosity, you’re not only likely to make new friends but also to grow as a person and a parent.
