Making Mom Friends: The Easiest Ways to Connect with Other New Moms | Victor Valley Creative Family Photographer
Baby toes are the absolute best.
“It takes a village to raise a child.”
It’s true, but what if you're not exactly sure where to find the village? Don't worry, I'm here to help!
Momming is hard, and finding mom friends can feel overwhelming!
I've been in your shoes, and it’s crucial to have a good support system during this journey in life.
In this post, I want to share tips on how you can find and make new mom friends who get what you're going through.
But, before we get into it, please know that it’s completely normal to feel awkward when you seek out new mom friends. It’s tough as a mother out there!
It might not seem like it, but other moms are in the same boat, looking for connection and support as they navigate their new role.
So, embrace the process and know that reaching out can be a fun and empowering step in your parenting journey.
Here we go!
LOCAL MOM GROUPS
Mom Groups in the Victor Valley
The easiest way to find new mom friends is through local groups! This is the best way to meet new mom friends IMO—even if you're an introvert!
Now, where can you find these groups?
Open Ye olde Google machine.
Type in your city and mom group (example: Victor Valley Moms Group). You’ll be surprised by how many show up.
Meetup groups, Facebook, Instagram hashtags (less nowadays, but it’s worth a shot). Heck, I even made a mom friend through OfferUp!
And don't forget online resources!
Reddit and tons of other sites have online communities and support. Too many websites for me to list. *However, making a friend online is very different from making one in real life. I urge you to make mom friends in real life, not online.
If you’re thinking about exploring these options but are nervous about leaving your comfort zone… don’t worry! You're not alone—most new moms feel the same way.
TIP: If it makes you more comfortable, ease into making new friends by engaging in online discussions first, then attend in-person meetups!
When I became a mom, we had moved an hour away from family, and I grew up in a town over five hours away. Needless to say, I had zero mom friends and even fewer regular friends.
The year was 2004, and I searched online for mom groups in my area. I found one on Yahoo!, and I joined. It was the Apple Valley Moms Group.
Farmers’ markets and other local spots are perfect for meeting moms.
I met up with everyone at the farmers’ market at Victor Valley College and quickly made a couple of friends! Most mom groups require new members to attend a public outing first, and then you’re invited to other members’ homes.
I made lots of friends, attended parties galore, and I’m still in contact with 2 moms. One is a grandma now, and I photographed the wedding of another friend’s oldest kid.
Over the years, groups fell apart because the leader moved away. I’d find another group by using the Google machine and make more new friends. Some groups you’ll click with automatically, others you might not.
Another close friend I have now, I met through an Oak Hills mom group. I had to start over with finding new friends after my third baby, a big age gap between #2 and #3. Now, both of our kids are going into high school this year, and they are our last babies.
MEET OTHER MOMS AT KID-FRIENDLY LOCATIONS
Parks, Pools, & Playgrounds
For this one, check out the neighborhood park or storytime at the library. Rec centers offer mommy and me classes, where I have also made friends.
But, let’s be honest— approaching other moms can feel weird and challenging!
Here’s a conversation starter that feels natural and not awkward
First, keep it casual and friendly. Start with a compliment or a light-hearted comment about something you both can relate to, like your kids' activities or the chaos of motherhood.
For example, you might say, "Your little one is really enjoying the swings! How old is he?" This opens up the conversation without putting too much pressure on the other person. Make sure to listen actively and ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share more about their experiences. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. You will either click or not, right away.
If you find common ground, don't be afraid to suggest exchanging contact information or planning a future playdate. You can say something like, "It's been so great chatting with you! Would you mind exchanging numbers, and we could get our kids together for a playdate sometime?" Or, “Do you guys usually come here around this day/time? I know our kiddos had so much fun playing together!”
Remember, many moms are also looking for new friends, so don't be too hard on yourself if you feel nervous. They feel the same way, I assure you.
Just be yourself, show genuine interest, and let the conversation flow naturally.
Social Media CAN Be a Good Thing
Social media can be a fantastic tool for connecting with other new moms outside of your current friend group.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO CONNECT WITH OTHER NEW MOMS
Once you find the right mom groups or online communities that resonate with you, jump in, ask questions, share your own experiences, or even offer simple advice to moms.
One of the great things about leveraging social media for mom friendships is that, in addition to finding a Victor Valley mom group, you can find groups based on your specific interests, values, or parenting style.
For example, if you're passionate about eco-friendly living, there are groups dedicated to green parenting where you can connect with like-minded moms. Or, if you're navigating the world of attachment parenting, you can find communities that share your viewpoint and offer support.
This targeted approach makes it even easier to find moms who share your outlook on life and parenting - you already have something in common! #Momming
Being a mom is the most important job.
Remember, building connections will take time and effort, but it's truly worth it in the end. These connections not only provide a support system during challenging times but also enrich your life in countless ways.
Be patient with yourself as you embark on this journey. Embrace the process and stay open to new friendships, whether you find them in local mom groups, at child-friendly locations, or through social media.
Did I miss any of your favorite resources or groups? Let me know in the comments!
I hope you loved reading Making Mom Friends: The Easiest Ways to Connect with Other New Moms | Victor Valley Creative Family Photographer, and it sparked new ideas for you to try! If you’re still looking for a Victor Valley Family Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of whimsical and playful images.
Looking for ideas on what to wear for your Family Photo Session? Read this post. Spoiler alert, it starts with Mom!
Cheers and happy hunting!
Annette
Mom friends for life!
