It can take a little while to readjust but not to worry, here are a few ways to help you make friends in no time!
Parenting on Female First
It is important to get yourself out there, you should make it a priority to get out with your baby or young child. There are plenty of mums who are looking for companionship, so don't be afraid to approach them and make the first move.
Visiting classes or getting involved in groups and social activities are a great way to meet new mums like you. Take a look what's going on at local venues and you'll soon see which ones you like and suit you and your child. If you don't like a class initially, make sure you at least give it a good try. Maybe make an agreement with yourself to attend each class at least 4 times before making the decision to leave.
Once you have found a class you like, stick with it! You will soon start to recognise some faces and people will start to recognise you too and before you know it, you will be a regular to the class. During that time you might start to see some new faces coming along to the class, if you think any of the other mums are looking a little anxious you could go over and welcome them and help them feel a little more relaxed. Don't be afraid to say 'hi' and put them at ease if you think you can help them. (Remember you were in their position once and thinking about what you would have wanted to hear will make it easier for you to welcome them).
If you are struggling to find things in common with someone, just remember that you both share something in common already. Becoming a mother is an experience that you have both shared and every woman enjoys sharing and talking about the most magical and exciting time of their lives, asking them about their journey of becoming a mum would be a great conversation starter.
Why not try making friends with the person who runs the activity group? Ask if there is anything you could help them out with or stay behind and ask if they need help packing things away at the end.
When you think you have made a connection with any of the mums you meet or if you think your child is getting along well with theirs, don't leave without making plans to see them another time. Why not exchange numbers so you can schedule to meet up at the same time and place the following week or maybe you might like to try a new group together?
Don't be afraid to ask questions about their plans and what they are upto during the week, this might give you some idea of other places you can meet new mums and it will help make it easier for you to settle into your new routine. Remember chatting to new people is all good practice for making friends and will help boost your confidence.
Planning your week in advance would be very beneficial in helping you organise times to get out of the house. Buy yourself a personal organiser or notepad and write down your plans for the week, make sure to have something arranged for at least 4 days out each week.
If you are a working mum, whether it's part-time or full-time it's still important to plan days out for you and your little one. If you work part-time try and make sure you go to an activity or group each week when you're not working, it's very important to make time for a day out with your baby or toddler. Not only for you to bond with your child but it helps you to keep building up relationships with other mums too.
For those who work full-time, getting out with your child can seem a much harder task. Feeling involved in your community with other mums can feel slightly more difficult to do and quite often it can lead you to feeling excluded but don't panic! Saturday morning activity groups are available and would be ideal for you, it would be a good idea to find out if there are any running in your local area. These groups have been set up especially for you lovely working mums which means you don't miss out on meeting other mums or catching up with mums that you have already made friends with.
Remember you are not alone, there are many mums out there who struggle getting back into the swing of things. Being organised, planning days out and getting connected will help you on your way to making new friends with other mums. Get yourself involved and most of all have fun - good luck!
By Natasha Akpan for Female First
Tagged in Friends Parenting advice activities