As a therapist and a mom, I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to have a circle of mom friends—the people you can be completely real with. Parenting, as rewarding as it is, can also feel isolating. We’re all expected to do it all and somehow keep smiling through the sleepless nights, the tantrums, and the endless to-do lists. That’s where good mom friends come in. They get it. They’re right there in the trenches with you, and they can make all the difference.

Having a support system where you can be vulnerable and share openly is so freeing. Being able to say, “My toddler ate nothing but cheese today, and I’m totally over it,” without worrying about judgment is invaluable. Good mom friends normalize the messiness of motherhood, helping you feel less alone in the challenges.

But it’s not just about venting (although that definitely helps). It’s about hearing, “Me too.” When you share your struggles, your joys, your frustrations, and your triumphs, you create deeper, more meaningful connections. You’ll find that those moments of honesty bring a sense of relief and validation.

But let’s be real—making new friends as an adult can feel weird. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few tips to help you put yourself out there and connect with other moms:

1. Start Small: It can be intimidating to approach another mom at the park or during a school event, but it’s worth the effort. Start with a simple comment or question. “How old is your little one?” or “My kid loves those shoes!” are easy conversation starters.
2. Join Local Mom Groups: Whether through Facebook or local community centers, mom groups can be a great way to meet people. Don’t be shy about attending a meetup—even if you feel nervous. Everyone’s there for the same reason: to connect.
3. Attend Kid-Friendly Activities: Sign up for baby or toddler classes, library story times, or playgroups. Not only are these great for your child, but they’re also perfect for meeting other moms in your area.
4. Be Open and Honest from the Start: If you want to build meaningful relationships, don’t be afraid to let your guard down a little. Share something real. Maybe it’s saying, “I’m exhausted today, I barely slept last night because my baby was up every hour.” More often than not, the other mom will relate and appreciate your honesty.
5. Follow Up: If you have a good chat with another mom, ask if they’d like to meet up again. Maybe it’s scheduling a playdate or just grabbing coffee. Taking that step can lead to a stronger friendship.
6. Host a Playdate: Sometimes, being the one to initiate is key. Invite a couple of moms (and their kiddos) over for a low-key playdate. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just an opportunity to hang out, chat, and let the kids entertain each other.
7. Be Patient: Deep friendships take time. If you don’t click with someone immediately, that’s okay! Keep putting yourself out there, and eventually, you’ll find those mom friends who make you feel seen and supported.

At the end of the day, having mom friends who you can be open, honest, and vulnerable with makes motherhood less lonely and a whole lot more manageable. These relationships allow us to grow, support each other, and laugh through the chaos. So, take a chance, be real, and build your mom tribe. You deserve it!