Ongoing linky parties: Motivation Monday and Fabulously Frugal Thursdays.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to support running A Life in Balance.
When I first became a mom, I didn’t know many other moms in my neighborhood, and the few that I did know worked, like me. It seemed so difficult finding other moms to connect with in the pre-Facebook age. Being an introvert, I wasn’t comfortable talking to other moms either.
When I had my second son just 7 years later, I had learned how to tap into my local networks to meet other moms and build a support network for myself. I had also gotten more comfortable with striking up a conversation with a new person. Now I’ve been homeroom mom twice, helped with a fundraising event at my school, and agreed to be leader for my daughter’s Girl Scout troop. I feel like everywhere I go, there’s a connection for me. It’s fun!
Talk, talk, talk
Whenever you’re out with the kids, especially at local play spots like parks, libraries, and pools, talk to the other moms. If your child wants to play with another child, help them get started by introducing the kids to each other, and then chat with the mom. If you make the park a regular stop in your week, pretty soon, you’ll recognize the regulars and build an acquaintance with them.
Don’t forget to talk to the moms at drop off and pick up at your children’s school. Introduce yourself and keep the conversation light. If you’re late and missed an announcement, just ask another mom.
Sign your child up for programs and lessons
Again, use the situation to start a simple chat about what the kids are doing. Introduce yourself, and ask questions. You may find as you connect in the conversation that you have connections in real life.
Volunteer
Volunteering at your child’s school or at your church is another easy way to meet other moms and start building your network. Since you’re volunteering at something you belong to, you’re already starting out with something in common to talk about. If you have a particular passion or interest, volunteer for a local event like a charity run.
Join a local mother’s group
Instead of starting your own group, join a local MOPs group or other type of group. MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) has chapters all over the United States. Each chapter has monthly meetings with an inspirational speaker and time spent getting to know other moms. Plus, babysitting is offered giving a mom some adult time to connect with other moms without worrying about the kids.
Sign yourself up for programs, lessons or join a professional group
One Saturday morning, I went to a local bootcamp and met moms and other women from all walks of life. We could participate as much as we wanted, and it was fine with the trainer if we chatted away while we worked out. I found out about some local races thanks to another mom there who runs.
A few years ago, I joined the Philly Social Media Moms group. At the time, I had been writing my first blog, My Daily Round, for a few years. It was a hobby, something I did on the side. Thanks to the PSMM group, I’ve met so many great moms both in the Philly area and elsewhere. Some are virtual friends; some are real life friends. I also made real life friends with some of my readers. While my involvement started out virtually, nowadays we make time to see each other at events and get together for coffee. We’ve run races together. We’ve groaned and moaned about being moms and running a business all at the same time.
What are some ways you’ve met new mom friends?
No, I am not an hourglass figure and never will be by The Frugal Exerciser
and
I will come by and visit sometime this week, and I usually pin or tweet them out so we can all get a little bit more exposure for all of our hard work!!
Because I love meeting new people and sharing, this post is linked to:
Better Mom Mondays Linkup, Monday’s Musings, Mom Initative, Mama Moments Monday, Busy Mondays, The Gathering Spot
Subscribe to my RSS feed to stay on top of the latest posts. Or follow me on Twitter and Facebook.
I share because I care, so feel free to use any of my images as long as they are credited and accompanied by a link back to A Life in Balance. Failure to link back and credit my site as a source constitutes a copyright violation. Thanks!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree you need to get yourself out there. When we moved to Philly 6 years ago, I knew NO ONE! My first summer was one of the worst times in my life with a 2 year old, newborn and no support system at all. When I put my son into a MMO program 2 days a week I met a wonderful woman that is still one of my best friends and we joined a Moms Club together and without them I have no idea how I would of survived without them…seriously they saved my life.
That’s great to hear!
I have found that I make the best connections with other mom’s when our kids are doing something together. You are almost forced to talk and get to know one another!
Stephanie recently posted..hello monday
I had such a hard time with this! Finding mom friends can be difficult! My doctor ended up telling me about the MOMS club. It’s also international with chapters everywhere. It was funny – he said “You need mom friends. Here’s my wife’s number” and I called her – joined the MOMS club – and finally have connections! Thank goodness
Carrie recently posted..Operation FreeMom: Sharing the Hard Stuff
I struggled a bit at the beginning, too. At the time, I was homeschooling my oldest son. I think having more mom friends and outlets would have helped both of us.
I’m painfully shy, but since interacting with other mom bloggers (like you), I’ve found myself becoming more extroverted with each passing day.
Stacy Uncorked recently posted..We Are Young Chasing The Sun so we’ll Live While We’re Young because It’s Time to Undo It and Turn On The Radio Good Girl!
Seriously, I haven’t met you yet in person (though I’m keeping my fingers crossed), and I never would have thought of you as shy. Amazing!
This is SUPER critical if your child has special needs or a disability. It’s important NOT to be alone, because depression can creep in through the tiniest cracks! Great tips, thanks for sharing.
Gina B recently posted..Lessons in Parenting Special Needs, 1/14/13
This is so important but I agree, it’s been tough for me at times too. It can be so helpful to connect with other mamas and just know that you’re not alone in the day-to-day struggles you are facing. Once you can open up and talk to others about it, you realize really quickly that we all face a lot of similar challenges!
Xandra recently posted..Slow Down Before Your Body Slows You Down
I am working on this. I sometimes find myself to be shy, though none of my friends would ever use that word to describe me. I have been working on pushing myself into new situations to meet new people and put myself out there…it’s all a WIP
Sarah recently posted..Modern Greetings Review and Giveaway
Yes, I wouldn’t have thought you were shy when I met you in Philly. I’m finding that knowing moms through Facebook is making our real life conversations more in depth. I feel closer to many moms in my life because I chat with them so much more often thanks to FB.
I had a tremendous breastfeeding support group at the hospital where I delivered. We still chat with each other. I also love the gals in my MOMS club. Great, low key women who enjoy hanging out with their kids. And of course, there is PSMM!
Becky recently posted..Coffee and Tea Revue Giveaway Hop
Wonderful! I just love knowing so many different groups of women.
Sending your kids to school is a great way to meet other parents — IF you become an involved parent in your child’s education and after-school activities. Becoming a scout leader was one of the best things I did. Not only was I involved with my child and able to share my creative side, but I also have gotten to know her classmates and their parents as well!
robbie @ going green mama recently posted..Natural Air Freshener for our Brownie Household Elf
I just started being a scout leader, though I’ve been volunteering at my children’s school for about 5 years now. I can see so many positives to being a scout leader, and yes, the frustrations of working with volunteers. I know I will never regret my volunteering time. Totally worth it!
{ 2 trackbacks }