We’re all for a post-baby nesting period, but at some point, you have to peel off your spit-up stained t-shirt, take a shower, and get back in the game. You and your baby could benefit by getting out and spending some time with other moms and kids. Here are five great reasons why you should consider joining a moms’ group.
Make new friends
You might be surprised how easy it is to make new friends with total strangers when you’re both new moms. Think about it: Your lives revolve around the same general features: your breasts (or bottles), poopy diapers, peek-a-boo and sleep deprivation. Chances are, you’ll have plenty to talk about with other new moms, and you’ll find like-minded friends in the group.
Can’t find a moms’ group you want to join? Start your own! >>
Learn from each other
If you’re a first-time mom, you’re probably unsure about a lot of parenting and baby-related issues. Should you try to get your baby on some kind of a schedule? When should you introduce solid foods into her diet? Is her poop really supposed to look like that? Googling for answers can be helpful, but you get the best scoop directly from moms who are going through exactly the same things.
Instant friends for your kids
One great side benefit of mom’s groups is that they tend to evolve into playgroups for your kids. Join a moms’ group in which the members’ children are around the same age, and your kids will find instant playmates at your group get-togethers. If your parenting styles and interests mesh with the other members, chances are your kids will have no problem making fast friends of their own.
Get tips on scheduling a group outing >>
Babysitting swaps
If you get to know other mothers well enough, you might consider setting up babysitting swaps. Pick one or two moms from your group who have children you wouldn’t mind watching – and whom you trust to watch your own little one. Work out a schedule according to which you bring your kids to one of your homes on a rotating basis. Alternatively, pick one mom who lives nearby and set an alternating weekly schedule in which you each get a date night while the other babysits.
Get five ideas for date nights for new parents >>
Join now, or regret it later
Some moms never join moms groups because they don’t feel they’re the moms’-group type. If you’re one of these, reconsider. As time passes and you see the friendships other women form through the groups, you very well might regret not having such a support network. Give a moms’ group a try; if it works for you, so much the better — and if not, no harm done.
More tips for finding a moms’ group
Get some practical tips on finding and joining a moms’ group that’s right for you.
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