Are you the only one in your friend circle that has kids?

Are you looking for a friend that truly understands your situation?

When you’re a mom, having mom friends is crucial! While your other non-moms friends are super important as well, mom friends provide a deeper level of understanding.

Sometimes you can make mom friends through your child’s activities or randomly at a playground – but sometimes, you have to put some effort into it.

To help you build your support system of mom friends, here’s how to make and keep friends who have kids:

Why Are Mom Friends Important?

When you’re the only one in your friend group to have a child, it can be a lonely experience.

Even if your friends are supportive and caring, they’ll never truly understand your situation, your feelings, and your struggles.

But instead of ditching your current friends (they’re super important, too!), you can reach out into the world and find some mom friends.

Here are some benefits of surrounding yourself with other moms:

You’ll Feel Less Alone

Like-minded mom friends will help you feel less burdened and alone when it comes to being a mom. You’ll have a support system of people who are on the same wavelength as you.

You’ll Feel Less Guilty

Mom friends are great for reminding you that you are not perfect and that you don’t have to be. They go through the same struggles as you and make mistakes too.

You’ll Feel Supported

A mom friend will understand your need for a last-minute babysitter or sage advice on child-rearing – and she’ll know that you are there for her as well. Just make sure you set boundaries and limits, so no one feels taken advantage of.

Your Children Will Benefit Too!

Babies and kids thrive on human interaction, and it helps them develop empathy, trust, and social skills. Meeting new people gives them more opportunities to learn these things.

How to Make Mom Friends

Sometimes making mom friends is easy, but sometimes it can take some effort.

Here are some ideas for making new mom friends:

Go to the Library

Many libraries off free programs for little ones, from toddlers to school-aged children. This can be a great place to make new mom friends!

Check out the interest groups offered at your local library or simply visit and allow your child to play in the play area and read books.

Take this opportunity to chat it up with other moms.

Check Out Playgrounds

Playgrounds are a perfect place to make mom friends!

Watch to see what children your little one starts playing with. Seek out the mom and strike up a conversation.

Or find a mom who is sitting alone on a bench and start some small talk.

Volunteer

If your kiddos are in school, check to see the volunteering opportunities offered at their school.

Usually, schools will look for volunteers for their cafeterias or libraries, so you could potentially make some friends by offering your time.

Go to Birthday Parties

When your little one is invited to a birthday party, and you have to stick around, use this as an opportunity to chat with other moms you don’t know.

Or if you know most of the moms there, look for a mom who doesn’t seem to know anyone else and make her feel comfortable.

Mommy and Me Classes

Check out your area for local “mommy and me” classes that focus on including small children in activities like yoga or other gym classes.

Many areas also have baby-specific activities such as baby sign language, infant massage, and music classes.

Check them out to meet fellow moms!

Use an App

Sometimes approaching moms can be nerve-wracking, and many times the conversation will never evolve into anything more than small talk.

However, there are some useful apps out there designed to connect moms who are looking for mom friends!

One is called Peanut App, and it was created by a mom named Michelle Kennedy, who was struggling to meet like-minded moms and wanted a way to connect.

Social Media

Look for local Facebook groups geared toward moms in your area.

You can post looking for a playground buddy and make new mom friends!

How to Keep Mom Friends

The hardest part about mom friendships, and probably half the reason why you are here, is that maintaining them when you have so little time can be difficult.

Here are some tips for keeping your mom friends once you start to build a connection:

Make Plans

I know making plans as a busy mom isn’t easy, but it’s an important way to show your new mom friends that you value your friendship and want to spend time with her.

At first, it’s probably going to be easier to make plans that involve your children. Plan some playdates or playground meet-ups.

Maintain Your Connection

Don’t let your new friendship disappear into the ether!

It may take some effort to maintain your connection, but try to touch base with your new mom friend on a regular basis.

Maybe not every day, but be sure to check in with her every few days to see how she’s doing and make plans.

Don’t Go Overboard

It can be exciting as a mom to make a new friend who understands you on a deeper level, but you don’t want to push the friendship and go overboard.

First, accept the fact that the friendship may fizzle out. It happens. If your new mom friend isn’t replying to your texts or accepting plans, it may be time to move on.

Second, give your new mom friend some space to respond. She’s just as busy as you are!

Lastly, set your expectations. You’re probably not going to see your new mom friend on a regular basis, so aim for hanging out once a week.

What About Non-Mom Friends?

Even though it’s important to have mom friends in your life, your non-mom friends are just as important!

Maybe they don’t completely understand your situation and struggles, but they are still valuable friends to have in your life.

These are the friends that know the real, non-mom you that can help you stay in tune with your true identity.

So often, we end up losing our identities as moms because we are so focused on being the best parent we can be for our children.

Non-mom friends will help you remember who you are and what you are passionate about.

They will also give you the space to talk about things and enjoy things that aren’t child related!

Make Some New Friends Today!

After being cooped up for so long, it’s time to get out into the world and make some new mom friends!

Even if your efforts don’t blossom into a life-long friendship, getting out there and talking to people is great for your confidence and mental health as a mom.

And it’s good for your little one, too!

How do you make mom friends? Any tips you want to share? Leave them in the comments!