As a full-time mother, it can be challenging to find time for socializing with other adults. Taking care of a child, managing household chores, and maintaining a work-life balance can leave little room for social interactions. However, socializing is essential for a mother's well-being and mental health. It helps to build a support system, boost confidence, and relieve stress.
Let’s take a closer look at some great ways that you can socialize as a full-time mom, with some particular notice taken for full-time moms who are also breastfeeding, as this can present additional challenges.
Join a Mom's Group
Joining a mom's group is an excellent way to connect with other mothers who are going through the same phase of life as you. You can meet other mothers in your community by searching online for local mom's groups or attending events at your local library or community center. Mom's groups offer a safe space to share your experiences, ask for advice, and make new friends.
Attend a Playgroup
Playgroups are a great way to socialize with other moms while your child plays with other children! You can search online for local playgroups or ask other moms in your mom's group if they know of any playgroups in the area. Attending a playgroup can also help your child develop social skills and build friendships. Of course, this particular tip works best if you have older children who are capable of playing, so keep this tip in mind for when your children are toddler-aged and above.
Volunteer
Volunteering is an excellent way to meet new people while making a positive impact in your community. You can search online for local volunteer opportunities or contact your local charity or nonprofit organization to find out how you can get involved. Volunteering can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can help to improve your mental health. Look for volunteer opportunities that are ideal for moms, such as kid-friendly events and organizations. Not only will you get to socialize, you’ll help your community in the process!
Attend a Mom-Friendly Fitness Class
Attending a mom-friendly fitness class is an excellent way to socialize with other moms while taking care of your physical health. You can search online for local fitness classes or contact your local gym or community center to find out what classes they offer. Attending a fitness class can also help to improve your mood, reduce stress, and increase your energy levels. If you can’t find a class, you may want to consider looking for “mommy walk” and “mommy run” groups, which allow full-time moms to get together to exercise.
Take a Class or Course
Taking a mom-friendly class or course is an excellent way to learn something new while meeting new people. These types of classes can range from hobbies like cooking or gardening to more practical courses, such as parenting courses, CPR, and so on. Taking a class or course can also help to improve your mental health by providing a sense of accomplishment and boosting your self-esteem. Best of all, you might make friends with fellow moms in the class, so you can connect outside of class as well.
Attend a Meetup
Attending a meetup is an excellent way to meet new people who share similar interests--in this case, being a mom! Meetups can be anything from book clubs to hiking groups to wine tasting events, although this will vary from group to group. You might want to look for interest-specific meetups, such as gardening meet-ups, local community meet-ups, and so on.
Join an Online Community
Joining an online community is an excellent way to connect with other moms who share similar interests or experiences! You can search online for online communities or join social media groups that focus on parenting or motherhood. Facebook is a great place to start, but you might also want to look online at sites like TikTok or Instagram. Online communities can provide a safe space to share your experiences, ask for advice, and make new friends.
Attend a Breastfeeding Support Group
Attending a breastfeeding support group is an excellent way to connect with other breastfeeding mothers who are going through the same challenges as you. You can search online for local breastfeeding support groups or contact your local hospital or clinic to find out if they offer any support groups. Attending a breastfeeding support group can also provide valuable information and resources to help you succeed in your breastfeeding journey.
Go to Cultural Events
Checking out nearby cultural events, such as art shows or theater productions, can be an excellent way to socialize and expose your children to different cultures while making connections with people who have similar interests. Many museums and theaters offer events specifically for children, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family. If your children are on the younger side, don’t worry: many of these events are perfect for bringing a stroller along!
Join a Book Club
Joining a book club is an excellent way to socialize with other mothers while also expanding your knowledge and reading new books. Book clubs can be found through local libraries or community centers. You can also start your own book club and invite other mothers to join, if you’re having trouble finding a book club near you. Book clubs can be easily tailored towards moms with younger or older children, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!
Final Thoughts
Socializing is a basic human need. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of limiting your socialization when you become a full-time mom. However, you don’t have to give up socializing just because you’re a parent: the above methods are all great ways that you can put yourself out there and socialize more while being a great mom.
Just remember: don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with other moms! You’ll soon find that other moms are just as eager to make connections and socialize as you are, and you may find yourself making connections that last a lifetime.
References
https://www.insider.com/how-to-stay-social-as-a-parent-according-moms-dads-2021-7
