Motherhood can be a challenging journey, and I couldn’t navigate it without my circle of supportive mom friends. Some are just a message away on my phone, while others are neighbors I see regularly. Each one plays a vital role in offering guidance, sharing experiences, and providing the encouragement I need when my energy is low. If you’re on the lookout for your own mom tribe, here are five crucial types of mom friends you should seek out, along with tips on where to find them:
1. The Affirming Mom
This friend is a gem because she always backs your unconventional parenting choices. Whether it’s a last-minute dinner of popcorn or an entire day of screen time, she’s there to help you spin it positively. “Popcorn is a whole grain!” she might say, or “Think of the coordination skills they’re developing!” The Affirming Mom reassures you that you’re doing just fine, even when you’re feeling uncertain.
Where to find her: At your local fast-food play area, likely scrolling through social media while keeping an eye on her kids.
2. The Cohort Mom
Having a mom friend with a child the same age as yours is invaluable. She’s in the trenches with you, sharing the same worries and experiences. Need to know if neon orange poop is normal? She’s the perfect person to ask (with photo support, of course). Without my Cohort Mamas, I might have had unrealistic expectations about milestones like crawling or starting solids.
Where to find her: Check out story hours at the library designed for specific age groups. They’re free and a great way to gauge her parenting style based on her reactions to silly songs.
3. The Experienced Mom
This friend has been through it all and offers perspective that can be a lifesaver. She’ll remind you that the small stuff, like whether your child was breastfed or bottle-fed, won’t matter in the long run. When teething feels never-ending, she’ll gently remind you that those braces are coming, and they won’t be cheap! The Experienced Mom helps you cherish the fleeting moments of childhood while encouraging you not to get bogged down in details.
Where to find her: Join a school volunteer committee. She’ll likely be one of the leaders, ready to share her wisdom and lighten your load.
4. The Empathetic Mom
Whenever you’re facing a tough parenting moment—be it a biting incident at preschool or a challenging potty training day—this mom is there with a comforting cup of coffee. The Empathetic Mom doesn’t offer unsolicited advice or judgment; she simply listens and reassures you that you’re not alone. Her calm demeanor is exactly what you need in tough moments.
Where to find her: Bond with her in the waiting room of the pediatrician’s office, sharing remedies for everything from ear infections to the best wine to ease your own stress.
5. The Go-With-the-Flow Mom
This friend is your ultimate ally for spontaneous plans. If your partner is working late, she’s ready for a quick Happy Meal and wine night. The Go-With-the-Flow Mom doesn’t mind if your house is messy, and she’s always up for a playground trip that ends with coffee in hand. She embraces the chaos of parenthood and is a reminder that it’s okay to take things lightly.
Where to find her: Look for her at the playground, casually sitting while her kids play nearby, embodying the relaxed parenting style.
Now that you know the types of mom friends to seek, go out and build your supportive tribe! If you’re interested in more resources on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent guide.
Summary
Finding the right mom friends can be a game changer in your parenting journey. The Affirming Mom, Cohort Mom, Experienced Mom, Empathetic Mom, and Go-With-the-Flow Mom each offer unique support that can help you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood. By connecting with these different types of friends, you’ll create a robust support system that can make the challenges of parenting much more manageable.