Cameron and I have moved 3 times in the last 4 years, so we've had lots of opportunities to make friends. We have made some really great friends all over the country, but making friends when you become a mom is a little different. I think you start to make friends who have kids around the same age as yours or you have similar parenting styles.
I found an article in Parents magazine called "A Mom's Guide to Making Friends."
Here are some ways for busy moms to boost their social network:
1) Start with Friends of Friends. If you move to a new place, making a few friends and then befriending their friends is a quick way to enlarge your circle.
2) Opt for face time over Facebook. Organize play dates or invite new friends to the zoo or park. It's a great way for your kids to play and still have a chance to visit and get to know each other.
3) Introduce yourself to a calendar of local events. Look into local parks and recreation activities, events at the library, and city events. Many cities have web-sites or blogs about things to do. I love http://iheartmesa.blogspot.com/ for details of events here in Mesa.
4) Seek out those who are similar, but different. Put yourself out there and introduce yourself to someone who you may be intimidated by or may not see immediately what you have in common. You may be suprised at the great relationship you're able to develop.
5) Make maintaining friendships easy. Have you ever had a friend that you felt like you had to work so hard to be their friend? Send a text just to say hi or an e-mail to see when would be a good time for you to get together. Arrange to carpool to the park for a little extra chat time.
6) The article didn't have a #6, but I decided to add my one. Put yourself out there. If you want to make friends, be a friend. Chances are, whoever you want to be friends with wants to be friends with you. We all have have a little insecurity when it comes to feeling accepted so be the kind of friend you need.
Any comments or personal experiences would be great so feel free to share!
This is a great post Karen. I have been thinking a lot about this. Sometimes as a mom, we lose sight of the individual part of us, and we become solely defined by our roles as wife and mother. It is important to have a friend. I like the suggestions!
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