Becoming a mom shifts your community in unexpected ways. While you once made plans with friends on a whim, now you need a babysitter or to bring your baby along. Friends without kids may not understand your life or how to accommodate your needs. Now that you’re in a new season of life, it’s normal to want to connect with women who can relate.
Why is it important to find your mom community?
Becoming a mom can feel incredibly isolating. Your friends may be working during the day, while you are caring for your child at home. Or, you may be back at work and juggling a new routine, and time for friends feels especially limited. You’re learning new skills on the fly, and you may need advice and encouragement from experienced moms. Your circumstances are unique compared to most other people you know. Only other moms can fully understand where you are!
It’s difficult to brainstorm ideas to create your circle when you’re drowning in motherhood. We get it—so we brainstormed for you.
Build community with your neighbors.
Make a point to stop and talk when you see them outside. Bring cookies to their door to meet them. Neighbors can be a helpful support since they are so close by. If you meet someone who wants to be friends, your friendship can flourish under the easy circumstances!
Invite someone into your ordinary moments.
Building a friendship doesn’t have to look like getting coffee without your kids. Relationships grow with shared experiences, regardless of the setting. Invite someone to go grocery shopping, or talk to you while you fold laundry, or explore a new park with your kids. Consider video calls to share everyday moments with long-distance friends (or even in-town friends when leaving the house is inconvenient!)
Join community Facebook groups.
Typically, every area has a Facebook group where moms support each other with advice, help, and resources. Often you can find other moms who are looking for friends as well. Other community Facebook groups can also help you learn about local events, which are great opportunities to meet and spend time with people!
Start a club with women in your community.
Sometimes you have to create opportunities to build your village. Clubs are a great excuse to meet up with people while also setting aside time to enjoy a hobby. They allow you to stay in touch and relate to your friends who don’t have children. You might consider starting clubs like: a book club, a dinner club, a cookbook club, an art club, or any other club about an interest you share with others!
Visit your community library's story time.
Libraries typically have story time for babies, toddlers, and young children. Your child can experience enriching stories and songs while you make friends with other moms who attend regularly.
Join the Connect Gathering.
We host the Connect Gathering every 3rd Thursday of the month, where we come alongside you to help create a Balanced Life centered around spiritual growth, physical health, and emotional well-being. Enjoy light refreshments and an activity while getting to know other moms in your community!
Strong relationships with other women help you create a long-term, healthy support network. You don’t have to walk this journey of motherhood alone. Striving for a community of women around you will only bring positive results!
Adrienne Bergmeier
Adrienne Bergmeier is a Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.