Parenting can be lonely work when you are a new mom or a mom whose kids have jam-packed schedules. If your local pals don't have similarly aged children, you may find yourself going solo more often than you'd like. Meeting other moms in your neighborhood is the obvious solution, but finding and befriending your neighborhood moms can feel like an intimidating process. The effort is worth it, though, since the reward for putting yourself out there is building a group of mom friends who can sympathize and enjoy parenting together.
Where to Find Them
Step 1
Stop by your nearest library to pick up a schedule of upcoming story times, and plan to attend. You'll meet other moms who live nearby.
Step 2
Load up your stroller and take long walks through your neighborhood with your child at mom-friendly times, like early evening. There is a good chance you will run into other parents out for a stroll.
Step 3
Spend time at parks and playgrounds near your home, and you'll run into other parents who live in your neighborhood.
Step 4
Sign up for a mom-friendly class at your nearest health club or YMCA--yoga, aerobics and Pilates are all good options. You can meet other moms in class, and when you're dropping your child off or picking him up from the club's child care center.
Step 5
Look for parenting groups at places of worship, community centers and education centers near your home. They can be a great place to meet other moms.
How to Connect
Step 1
Talk about something other than babies when you meet another mom, and you'll be more likely to start a conversation, recommends the Baby Talk website.
Step 2
Choke back your competitive instincts. Look for genuine ways to compliment other kids. You'll seem genuine and good-natured, says Stacy DeBroff, founder of the Mom Central website and author of "The Mom Book," on "The Today Show."
Step 3
Suggest a play date that's conducive to grown-ups getting to know each other, like visiting a museum or nature center. Choose a spot where you don't have to be hands-on with the kids every minute, and you can have a real conversation.
Step 4
Host a potluck lunch or dinner and play date, and invite moms to bring themselves and other friends.
Step 5
Ask for advice if you have trouble starting a conversation. Say, "Is that kind of baby sling easy to use?" or "What kind of bottle is that?" Chatting about parenting and baby gear are quick ways to forge a connection.
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