Creating Community as a Mom
You’ve probably heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I would like to argue that it takes a village to raise a mom. Motherhood can be an incredibly isolating and lonely experience for many moms for tons of different reasons. Those without a support system are prone to feel particularly alone, but it doesn’t have to be this way. There are so many ways to build a community as a mom, here are some ways to get started.
Use the Internet
The way I found my very first mom’s group was by typing these words into Google: Mom Groups Near Me. With just a couple clicks I was looking at several different groups that were close to home. I was also able to find tons of moms groups on Facebook by doing a similar search. Depending on what you’re looking for - just a space to ask questions, a group that offers playdates, or a group that’s geared more towards moms getting together - there’s something available for you. Of course, not every group is going to be the perfect fit for you, and that’s totally okay. Keep an open mind and try a few to see which one works best for you and your values.
Don’t Be Scared
Meeting new people can be a nerve wracking thing, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. You should be so proud of yourself for deciding to take the chance and meet new people whether it’s at a playdate, a book club, or an event specifically for moms. You might have some doubts about it at first but I can assure you everything is going to be fine. Just be yourself and be open to chatting with some new people.
Make Plans and Keep Them
Here’s the hard part about adult friendships: they require commitment and consistency. If you make a new friend, stay in touch with them frequently and make plans to get together. Carve out the time for the friendship to grow. Of course as moms we can’t always control things like sick kids or working partners, but do your very best to stick to commitments you’ve made and don’t cancel if at all possible.
If you’re committed to finding your community of moms to support and love you on your journey with motherhood, I promise they are out there waiting for you. Stay positive and open minded to the possibilities and before you know it you’ll have a wonderful support system in place.