Why Spending Time with Friends Makes Me a Better Mom

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You know, I often think back to my childhood friendships. I was always the girl who vibed more with the boys—climbing trees and getting into all sorts of mischief. My body is like a roadmap of my adventures: skinned knees, a few cat scratches (note to self: cats and swimming pools don’t mix), and the occasional busted lip. While I may not be in touch with “Sandy” (yep, that was his real name), I’ve managed to cultivate friendships with both guys and, believe it or not, some amazing women too. But adult friendships? They require a bit more TLC than our carefree childhood days. That’s why scheduling friend dates is crucial for me now.

Have you ever noticed how sometimes friends can feel a bit distant? Or that when you do catch up, you might spend half the time just one-upping each other? That’s because quick texts and social media updates just don’t cut it if you truly want to nurture those bonds. Friendships are like any other relationship—they need a bit of work to thrive. Everyone deserves to feel cherished, respected, and important during your hangouts.

When you and your friends all have kids, things can get trickier. There’s the juggling of schedules, childcare, and those pesky curfews. Gone are the days of late-night adventures without a care in the world (I mean, who has time for a 2 a.m. hangout anymore?). Sure, figuring out logistics can be exhausting, but it’s so worth it. Because when life throws curveballs, your friends become your extended family—thanks to social media, of course.

I’ll be honest; I’ve sometimes neglected this part of my life, and it’s had its consequences. When you let friendships fade, they rarely return to their former glory. So, how do you avoid falling into that trap in our busy lives? Between work, kids, and adult responsibilities (like laundry and yard work—unless you’re as clever as I am and hire someone for that), it can feel impossible to carve out time for friends. But it’s essential. Your friends might be understanding, but they might also need you the most on a particular night. If they can make it to dinner despite their own busy schedules, so can you.

Sure, it can take some planning, but those nights out are precious. It’s a chance to unwind and be yourself—not just someone’s mom or partner but you. That little break can feel so freeing; it lifts the weight of daily stress right off your shoulders. It doesn’t mean you love your family any less; it just means you’re human and need to recharge to be the best version of yourself for them. Whether you choose sushi, drinks, or just coffee to catch up, it’s vital to keep that circle of friends close for when you really need them—and trust me, you will.

And yes, there are times when I’m completely wiped after a long day at work and still have to give my little one a bath and tuck him in after a night out. But I wouldn’t trade my friends for anything, so I power through the tiredness, grab a coffee, and head out for some much-needed fun. Whether it’s enjoying a steak and margarita or just chatting over dinner, laughter has a magical way of lifting spirits and curing all sorts of woes, from tiredness to the blues.

So whatever you decide to do with your pals, just make sure you’re fully present. Trust me, you’ll appreciate the effort you put into maintaining those friendships. After all, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that nurturing relationships is key to keeping them alive. If you’re interested in more about navigating parenting and relationships, check out this resource for pregnancy and home insemination—it’s super helpful!

In summary, prioritizing friend dates is essential for your well-being as a parent. These moments allow you to recharge, maintain friendships, and ultimately become a better version of yourself.