My husband and I are contemplating a move to a different city in a different state. Meaning everything will be different and everything and everyone will be new, similar to when I had my son Eli. At the time I had a couple friends with children, but I did not have anyone close to me with a similar schedule and similarly aged children. For the first couple months, I thought that was ok and I was doing ok. I had switched from working 40 hours a week in a very social setting, to working about 12 hours a week and spending the majority of my time with someone that required everything from me.

This put me in a very weird place. I felt like I should be able to handle the demands, the hours, the life of being at home with my precious baby boy like I had wished for. I realized I was wrong and I had to find some friends; really I had to find some comrades to be able to get through the battle of parenthood.

How awkward is it to search out mom friends? We are literally going up to complete strangers and saying, “hi, the only thing we have in common is the general age of our children, would you like to hang out once a week?” It makes me feel uncomfortable and very out of my element. But here’s the thing — everyone feels the same way and has the same fears and anxieties. This is the only thing that has helped me, realizing that I am not alone in what I am feel; which let’s be honest is actually the point of meeting up with other moms.

Now that we’ve gotten over the fear, how and where to meet the moms! While you can of course loiter around the library and park, I find that I am most comfortable if I know that the other moms are also looking to make friends, and not just entertain their child for a half hour.

The four main ways that I’ve gotten to know other moms:

Meetup.com: There is a meet up in just about every area, for any group of people possible. An amazing resource for anyone moving to a new area.

Stroller Strides: (found on Facebook) Meeting up at assigned times for an exercise class that incorporates a stroller. Great for moms of kids that are content to sit in a stroller and for mom to get some social interaction.

Moms Run This Town: (found on Facebook) Runner women, from jogging gals with strollers, to women that have grown children and train for marathons. This is for the runner, less for the child’s interaction.

Hike it Baby: (found on Facebook) Toddler led walks, stroller walks, baby-wearing hikes. This group is about getting your child introduced to the joys of being outside and exploring. Great for social interaction for both mom and little one.

Any other resources you’d like to throw out for finding that special mom friend?