Not sure if you have noticed by now, but I can’t sit still. My mind is always going a million miles per hour and I’m always doing something or planning the next thing. This fabulous personality trait of mine didn’t change when Little Dude was born! Even when I was sleep deprived I kept a schedule. At home, I set up stations and would rotate Little Dude through them. When Little Dude was about 2 months our social life began, and hasn’t stopped. Even moving hasn’t slowed us down. I’m just not one to stay in and stare at the 4 walls.
Creating Little Dude’s and my social life really wasn’t that hard. With the Internet and local child publications you can pick up in the pediatricians’ office or a store, I was always grabbing something! There is so much information out there. I joined a Mom’s Group in our community that a neighbor told me about and signed up for a playgroup. The kids were 2 months and they were asleep most of the time. It was more for me! To go out, meet other mom’s, and connect, support one another. I also went to free Mommy & Me classes through the hospital. I met so many wonderful people and friends that I still have today. Little Dude has friends from those classes that he grew up with, that he has known since he was 2 months.
One of the hardest parts of moving cross- country was leaving those friends. Before we moved, I had already done some research and found some classes and playgrounds. The first week we were here, we went to story hour and had had a trial class at a play gym. Keeping a schedule of activities I think helped him transition and helped us both meet people. From those activities we’ve met moms and kids that we plan play dates with or have met up with for lunch or at the library. I think it is great for both of us! I can have adult conversation with other moms and he can have kid time and play with other kids.
It can be hard to leave the comfort of the four wall of your home, but it is very worth it. Moms need this and it’s good for the kids! And most of all you create friendships. It doesn’t matter if you are the quietest person in the room or the most out going. When you walk in to that room or on the playground you are all mom’s following your kid. And conversation has a way of coming out! Take the leap! Have fun get involved, and develop your kids social life!
So so true! My son and I are sick right now and hanging out inside is driving me a little batty even though we both have fevers. Going to playgrounds and playgroups are such a salvation – for both mom and kiddos!
Kristine Campbell recently posted…Technology and How It Has Changed. From Riding in the Way Back of Grandma’s Station Wagon (or, This One Time…) (or, I Miss the 80’s).
Yes!
Yep. As frequent movers, I know how important it is to scope out your new area before you get there. It can really help a lot.
Jill recently posted…I Mooned the People of Liverpool
Yes it does help! Thanks for stopping by!
It’s awesome that you always planned ahead! I think it always takes an effort to create a social circle, and sadly, it’s one of those things I didn’t do enough.
Tarana Khan recently posted…Raising Bilingual Children as Expat Parents
Thank you. I try. It’s hard but I think it is so important. Thanks for stopping by!
I wish our public library gets updated! The only thing there are outdated reference books! We do love loitering inside bookstores over here though. 🙂
Jhanis recently posted…Sweetened Plantains (Minatamis na Saging)
So fun! We do that too! Winter is long. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh this is just so important! Motherhood can be so isolating, is we don’t get out and find places to take our kids for socialization! Moms need this too, so it’s a WIN-WIN! Good for YOU for seeking out some great new ways to do this, Sarah.
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Motherhood can be so lonely! Thanks for stopping by!
I agree! I have to get out to keep sane, and I think my kids love it too.
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Me too! It is so much harder in the winter! Thanks for stopping by!
So true! I joined a mommy & me exercise class when my first was 2 months old. I was terrified of meeting ‘strangers’ I just have anxiety about new situations…but I was more terrified about being in a new city home and friendless with a new baby who would also be friendless so I went. Best thing I ever did!!
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That is great! It really makes a difference! Thanks for stopping by!
I totally agree. I would die without some sort of social interaction each week with mom friends. And it’s good for the kids too. I moved across the country and left a great group of friends too. It was so hard, but I’m making new ones, so it all works out. 🙂 Thanks for linking up!
Meredith recently posted…Mom U. The Classes I Would Offer If I Owned a University
Social interaction keeps me happy! Thanks for stopping by!
I can totally relate! Definitely easy to feel alone & isolated when you’re so far from friends & family. We’re living in Germany [Air Force] & we were still new here when our son was born so we were trying to meet new people while having a newborn. To find a group that fits our schedule & that the little one enjoys being a part of & that has moms that I want to be around has been a little challenging. Luckily we have made some good friend with kids around my son’s age & have been branching out.
Yes! Very hard! Glad you were able to meet some friends! Thanks for stopping by!
I had trouble finding a group that was right for me and my “Little Dude” too. (Yes, I called him Little Dude! He’s Medium Size now… and his brother is Little Dude… and “dude” was one of their earliest words.) I ended up starting my own, and I’m so glad I did! We’ve met so many wonderful people and had so much fun along the way.
Stopping in from Bloppy Bloggers.
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It can be hard and lonely! Awesome for starting your own group! Thanks for stopping by!
When our kids are little, I think playgroups benefit moms even more than the kids!
The important thing is to find a mom’s group you like. The first one I joined had some uber competitive moms, and the “oh, your guy isn’t rolling over/walking/speaking Chinese yet” comments had me gritting my teeth weekly.
I’m a big fan of establishing a routine quickly. Starting over IS tough, and I find routines to be calming for everyone. Great post.
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Thanks lady! I was in a play group in FL but haven’t joined a new one yet! Need too! Between preschool, soccer, swimming and everything else. It gets busy! I love routine however, weather has not been my friend!