Hey lady!
Now that you're a mom, things are changing fast. Maybe your old friends are still hanging out at bars while you're busy changing diapers and washing bottles. Maybe you're new to town or naturally introverted. Whatever the case, you need other moms in your life! Here's why:
Mom friends are there for the good and bad. They nod sympathetically when you talk about how you've been up all night. They understand when your hair is a mess and you're wearing the same pair of leggings for the third straight day. And they really, really get it when you have a meltdown because your husband never closes the wipes and now the whole pack is dried up!
See what I'm saying? We need other moms almost as much as we need a good night's sleep. Luckily, they're a lot easier to come by than you think. Here are six ways to meet mom friends in your area today:
1. HANG OUT AT THE PARK
This is my #1 way to make friends. Try pushing a baby in a swing for thirty minutes and not talking to the mom standing next to you... it's impossible!
2. CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY
Most libraries offer a variety of programs for little ones. I've been taking Luna to a Baby Bunny Story Time since she was 5 weeks old. It's more structured than the park so arrive a few minutes early or hang around after the class for a chance to chat with the other moms.
3. TRY GYMNASTICS
Our local gymnastics center offers a FREE fun time on Fridays for all babies under 18 months! Older babies and children can come, too, for just a few bucks per hour. While I chat up the other moms, Luna crawls up and down the stacked mats and across the floor beams. And since there's a time limit, I never have to awkwardly figure out how to get away from a conversation. It's the perfect opportunity for an introvert (like me) to socialize!
Note: Out of curiosity, I checked around to see if other gyms offer similar programs and many of them did! So definitely contact local gyms to see what they offer!
4. HEAD TO THE COMMUNITY POOL
Who wouldn't want to make friends while getting a tan?! Just make sure to slather on the sunscreen (or keep infants covered) and bring plenty of water. Also, try to go before 10 AM or after 4 PM to limit sun exposure.
Some places also offer swim classes for babies as young as six months! We enrolled Luna in swim class when she was ten months old. Full disclosure - she hated it BUT the other five babies in her class (that were all a few months older) really enjoyed splashing around. And the other moms were sympathetic to Lu's crying. It actually gave us something to talk about after the lessons ended!
5. JOIN STROLLER STRIDES
My version of "working out" is a leisurely stroll through town. But I know plenty of moms who swear by Stroller Strides! It's a fitness program that incorporates your baby into the workouts and it's found nationwide. One thing to know - there's a monthly fee for this program. Around here, it runs about $60 per month. Still, it's cheaper than a gym membership and a great way to meet other moms!
6. USE YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
As a last resort, I use my husband to make friends. He meets a lot of guys through work and many of them are married with kids. Yes, sometimes it feels like I'm being set up on an adult play date. But every now and then I meet a fellow mom who turns into a genuine friend, so it's totally worth it!
What are some other ways you've made mom friends? Let us know in the comments below!
With love,
Lace
*Banner Photo by Caroline Basquill-White*
*All outfits pictured above are sold on WhiteGoldLA.com!*