How to Make Mom Friends
How to Make Mom Friends
Making friends as a mom can be challenging, even more so as a stay at home mom! Your life revolves around diaper changes and meal times and it can feel unrelatable to many.
So how do you get to know someone who ‘gets’ where you are in your life? I’m so glad you asked!
My family moved to a new state in the summer of 2023 to be closer to family. While we’re closer than we were,we are still at least an hour and a half away from those family members. That also meant that we were going to a new gym, a new church, a new grocery store, etc…
So when I wanted to make mom friends, I needed to get creative with my socialization. I wanted like-minded friends who (maybe) also had kids around my son’s age and were happy being friends with a slightly awkward but well-meaning stay at home mom (me).
How to Make Mom Friends
Making mom friends can feel intimidating, overwhelming, or just plain not fun. Try to be open to the people around you. Lean in if someone starts a conversation. Make eye Contact. Stay off your phone in public.
Look for Women in Your Situation
Do you notice another mom going to the park around the same time you do each week? Start chatting while your kiddos are on the playground.
See the same families at the gym or grocery store (or really any place that is a regular part of your routine)? Strike up a conversation. It can be as simple as acknowledging that you recognize them. It may blossom into slightly longer conversations until you’re speaking regularly.
These tips are great for moms with children of any age. The locations and conversations might change, but for the most part, these tips can be applied to any situation.
Be Brave
I find it really challenging to just start talking to someone I don’t know. For real! I’ve been working up the courage to chat with a fellow mom at the gym for over a year!
I find myself tongue tied or just awkward in social situations with new people. But that’s even more reason to put on a brave face and get to know someone!
Think about it this way: what’s the worst thing that could happen? You approach another mom and she flat out says ‘I want nothing to do with you.’ I mean, ouch, but do you really want to be friends with that type of person anyway?
Maybe you’ll hit it off or maybe you’ll discover you don’t have much in common besides being moms. At least you’ll have tried and carry the knowledge that you can do it again.
Find a Local Group
There are so many different groups you could be a part of. Run clubs, book clubs, gardening clubs. Even if you find a group of people that don’t have children, it’s great to give yourself the gift of a hobby. I think hobbies allow moms to be their best selves.
You can reach out to a local motherhood group or just find a group that you are interested in being a part of.
Get Involved With a Church
No matter your religious views, it is likely that you can find a local church, synagogue, or other faith-based center nearby that meets your needs.
We found our current church through a referral from our previous pastor and I have fallen in love with the people there.
We almost immediately had a built in community. There were several other stay at home moms, and even older mothers or grandmothers who took a loving interest in our family.
Whether you are devout or even religion-curious, it has been my experience that the vast majority of {insert a faith here} have been open, welcoming, and encouraging.
Even if you don’t jive with the first place you go, don’t be afraid to shop around! Ask your neighbors or your husband’s coworkers for suggestions. This is one tip I would not overlook!
Utilize Your Library
Every single time I’ve brought my son to an event at our local library, there have been several moms there with their children. Even when there isn’t an event going on, and I just brought my kid to read or play, there have been other families there.
These women most likely have a schedule similar to yours. At the very least, it can give your toddler a chance to socialize with his peers while you try to make a friend connection!
Look Online
There are so many great groups you can be a part of online. Facebook groups, Instagram pages, forums.
There are a million and one ways to get involved and meet people you like. Don’t give up because it feels intimidating. Comment, like, or follow groups that serve your interests.
Be Open
If another woman strikes up a conversation with you in the checkout line or at the gym, engage! She may be looking for a connection as well.
I know how hard it can be to make mom friends, especially if you are new to an area. Be patient, be open, and look for opportunities to connect.
I’m rooting for you! What are your favorite ways to make mom friends? Have you found success in your journey to make mom friends? Let me know in the comments below!
