As a mom, have you ever wished you had more “mom friends” in your circle with whom you could commiserate, swap stories (and possibly children) with, or just plain hang out with like-minded women? And as a result, did you seek out a moms group for that support?
You see, I have mixed feelings about moms groups. I’ve always lived near a close-knit group of mom friends, so I’ve never had the need or desire to branch out…but even if I did, I’m not sure if I’d be all about it. There are some groups that seem more like a sorority having to pay dues, and what not….um, no thank you. And then there’s the others that are so huge, how can you possibly have a chance to get close to other moms?
I know I sound like I’m putting my nose up to moms groups, but I guess they’re just not for me, however, I’m all for the impromptu meet up or playdate with some new acquaintances I may have swapped numbers with in the check out line…or there’s always bunco night! The more relaxed and less pressure, the more up my alley. I have a feeling, though, that I’m in the short-sighted minority, as moms groups are a HUGE deal among my friends. In fact, they can pretty much be a saving grace for those moms who are in desperate need of fellowship and support, and down the road are truly blessed by lasting and meaningful friendships.
So what are your thoughts? Are you a hard-core moms group believer? Or do you tend to think they’re just not your thing? I share my (somewhat) strong opinion not to knock moms groups at all…but thinking that possibly my thoughts might spark some helpful conversations for Austin moms looking for the common bond that motherhood friendships brings.
Here are a few resources if you’re “in the market” for a moms group:
–MOPs
–Bump Club and Beyond of Austin (events for moms and moms-to-be)
–Moms Meetups in Austin
Please share your favorite moms groups with us, as well as your feelings and thoughts about them!
I found success with a group of moms that I shared a common interest with. At the time my baby was born, I did not have friends with babies, my friends either had much older children or were single and childless. I tried 3 mom’s groups and the third one felt like home. The first one was through yahoo, then there was the friend of a friend group where the entire group knew each other already from a bible study, finally I joined a fitness program for moms. Yes I had to pay, I was paying for a professional exercise program. The moms I met here were down to earth and laid back. Maybe because we were always sweating, it was more real.
I needed to talk to moms who were right where I was at that moment, the support is so crucial to my sanity. Also, it was a built in playdate after class. Sometimes we did something more formal or organized too.
I guess it just comes down to what you need and who you already have in your support network.
I love having a community of women who I can support and be supported by. I prefer a more casual group and I belong to one. It’s not formally structured. There are no dues or geographical boundaries. We started in a very 21st Century way – through a web forum. Then it grew and evolved into a really wonderful, supportive, close knit group of women (moms and non-moms) who have an outlet for getting emotional support on parenting and marriage issues as well as “Girl’s Night Out”, book club, supper club, play dates, etc. We’re from all over the city and it’s been wonderful to be able to branch out and meet people I wouldn’t have otherwise if I had tried to befriend just the moms in my immediate geographical location.
I think all people need a community. I especially think new parents need that close knit community the most.