How to find the best mom groups near you

Recent research shows that 1/4 of mothers have only one friend, highlighting the urgent need to build support networks for mothers.

The Importance of Joining Mother Support Groups

Raising children is a challenging journey, and having a “village” of support – including family and friends – is extremely important. Science has proven that social connections and friendships have positive impacts on both physical and mental health:

First, friendships help reduce stress and improve overall health. When having close friends to confide in and share with, mothers can feel less pressure in their daily lives.

Second, research shows that people with strong social relationships have a lower risk of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and depression.

Third, friendships help enhance self-esteem and confidence. Having supportive friends can help mothers feel better about themselves and their abilities in raising children.

Finally, friend groups create a sense of belonging and connection. This is an important part of being human, and friendship can bring this sense of bonding.

How to Find Mother Support Groups

Online Search

Facebook is a great place to start looking for mom groups. You can search in the Groups tab for parent groups in your area. The great thing is you can find groups that match your specific circumstances, such as groups for first-time mothers or parents of premature babies.

Additionally, the NextDoor app is a useful tool for connecting with mothers in your area. This is where people share community events, make recommendations, and seek support.

Offline Search

Local libraries aren’t just for borrowing books and movies – they’re resource centers! Many libraries host book clubs or other groups, and often require groups to be open to the public if using library space.

Hospitals are also good resources. Some have groups for new mothers that can be helpful starting points. As one mother shared: “The meetings were crowded, but a group of us bonded and later met weekly at home to organize smaller playgroups.”

Creating Your Own Mother Support Group

If you can’t find a group that fits your schedule, or if you’re looking for something more suitable for your child, consider creating your own group:

If your area doesn’t have the type of mom group you’re looking for, consider creating your own Facebook group. This is an easy way to quickly meet other parents in the area.

If you work in a large organization, you can set up a mom group with some of your colleagues.

If your child is in preschool, try gathering with some other parents on weekends.

Activities of Mother Support Groups

Groups can organize various fun activities such as book clubs, rotating dinners at homes or different restaurants, pottery or canvas painting, crafting, organizing service nights to gather gifts or donations for a cause, hiking or cycling, and organizing themed meetups.

Online Support Groups

In the digital age, many mothers have found that joining online mom groups or Facebook groups can be a great way to find friends and get support from other mothers. A common misconception is that online friendships aren’t like face-to-face friendships. The reality is that more young people than ever are finding real community online!

MOPS’ Mama Meetups (www.mops.org/mamameetups) is a prime example of online support groups designed to help every mother find connection and friends at any stage of life. These groups are diverse in demographics and topics, from single mothers, military moms, working moms, to mothers of children with special needs.

Tips for Successful Search

Be patient and organized: Take notes of the groups you find and a few points about them (philosophy, membership requirements, costs, why you think it will or won’t work for you).

Stay curious and open: When you’re out, be ready to ask strangers about groups they’re in or have been in. This gives you insider perspective.

Be flexible: Finding “your people” can take time. While searching, try new things and meet new people. Trying a group once doesn’t obligate you to continue!

Conclusion

Finding and building community is a worthwhile journey. Don’t get discouraged if the search takes months or even a year to find the right people. You will find them!

Remember that group leaders invest a lot of time to keep the group running. If you want to be part of a group you love, plan to invest time. As Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Frequently Asked Questions about Mother Support Groups

How do I find a mother support group?

Phoebe often advises mothers to start by searching on Facebook in the Groups tab or using Google with the keyword “mom groups near me”. Additionally, local libraries, community centers, and religious organizations often have information about these groups. BabyCenter Community is also a great place to connect with mothers who have children the same age as yours.

How can I find mom friends in my area?

Participating in local activities such as prenatal classes, postnatal exercise groups, or events at libraries and community centers are effective ways. The NextDoor app and Meetup.com platform are also useful tools for finding mom groups near you. Phoebe also suggests that chatting with other mothers at playgrounds, grocery stores, or daycare and asking about groups they know is also a good approach.

How do I join a mother support group?

You can contact group administrators directly through online channels or attend an open meeting. Many groups allow you to try a few sessions before deciding to join officially. Some groups like MOPS require membership to participate in their activities. Phoebe recommends reading the group’s rules and requirements carefully before joining.

What do mother support groups typically do?

These groups often organize various fun activities. From hosting book clubs, themed meetups, craft activities, to family picnics and sharing parenting experiences. They also regularly organize charity and community service activities. Additionally, based on Phoebe’s experience, these groups are great places for mothers to seek advice, share emotions, and build support networks in their motherhood journey. In particular, many groups organize workshops with experts on healthcare, nutrition, and child development.

References:

  1. MOPS International
  2. MOPS Membership
  3. Mama Meetups
  4. BabyCenter Community
  5. Meetup.com

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