Connecting with Moms- Ending Stay-At-Home Mom Isolation

Recently a reader asked if I had any tips on meeting other Moms in her community to make friends with and have play dates for her two young children. Personally I know it's hard to be a stay at home Mom and not feel isolated.  It has taken me long time to feel like I have a network of friends that I can relate to, even just to find Mom's with children the same age as mine.

My first suggestion for her, and others is to search out women's groups and activities at your church. Look for life groups or small groups that meet up regularly, or Mom's groups.  Get into a bible study or book club where you can grow spiritually, and bond with the other group members. Join a Life Group or Connection Group where not only will you meet other Moms but your family can bond with other families.

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I would also suggest looking into activities that your kids can do, that will get you into environments with other Moms - gymnastic classes, swim lessons, soccer teams, your local YMCA offers great, affordable activities. If you have very young children they will require parental involvement, but that will put you side by side with other parents.  There are also classes that are great for Mom's too that will give you a chance to just have time for you.  Check your city parks and Recreation for Wichita also offers classes for young kids and families that are low to minimal in cost.  Most of these are at all times of the day, so if transportation is an issue, this would give you more flexibility on getting there.

Story times at the Wichita library, and book stores. Some churches offer MOPs (Moms of Preschoolers) and Mom's groups, as well as Women's gatherings, luncheons, and social mixers where meeting and connecting with other Mom's is the sole purpose. (see list of  Ways Moms Socialize on Yahoo)

Try to connect with the people in your neighborhood.  Take walks now that the weather is nice and scope out other families.  If you have a park near your neighborhood, walk there and strike up conversation with other Moms.

Being on Facebook is also great for meeting people and feeling like you are staying "connected".  Check into "groups" on facebook that will get you talking online to others with your same interests. There are all sorts of  groups from cloth diapering groups to garage sale groups and more.  Just search by topic and see what crops up.  Most are private, but don't be afraid to request membership - they do that to keep out spammers! The great thing about Facebook, is there is constant conversation opportunities, all it takes is you making or leaving a comment to participate. There is also CafeMom,  The Wichita Stay At Home Moms page on Meetup.com where you pay a fee to join and then can participate in play dates and activities. There is also Wichita Moms and Tots and a place for WAHM's to connect on Meetup.com as well. Also check on line Mommy connection groups like: Wichita Mothers and More,

Being a stay-at-home Mom can be rewarding or miserable. It's mostly up to you to decide to embrace it and make it the best experience for you and your children that you can.  Kids are only little for so long, look at it as a blessing and a reward that you get to be around for every precious moment.

If you are a single parent and looking for more connection and support, there are activities and groups for you as well. I recommend starting at Parents Without Partners to see if there is anything in your area. At current, there was a waiting list for single parent meetup groups in the Wichita Area. Most of these ideas working or single Moms can participate in on weekends or days off. Don't limit yourself, you deserve it too!

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If you think you are struggling with more than just discontent, and your loneliness turns into sadness or despair, do not be afraid to get professional help. Depression is real, and depression can change the way you look at life and things in it. Postpartum depression is also real and needs to be treated. Do not dismiss feelings of discouragement, hopelessness, and sadness. Postpartum depression can occur at any time from birth up to one year later. Don't delay to get the help you need today. Click here for more information about depression and how and when to get help.