Navigating friendships as a mom

When you become a mom, everything changes. That’s why holding on to things from your “old” life seems of the utmost importance, especially relationships with people you love. Most of your friends will be overjoyed for you once you welcome your newest and cutest member of the family. They will shower you with gifts, support, and love on you and your little one. 

There will also be friends who are excited for you yet, as time passes, you will come to realize that they just can’t make the Sunday walk at 9 a.m. or they just do not enjoy accompanying you to the playground. They don’t quite understand your last-minute cancellation of plans because your baby is sick, and they get annoyed at you because you “don’t go out and have fun anymore.”.

As moms, trust us; we’ve all been there and experienced those situations. It hurts and it is frustrating. You will soon come to realize that sometimes life paths don’t harmonize and your friends are on different paths at the moment. 

While you lose some, you also win some. Focus on the beautiful new friendships you will build with your fellow parents!

Here are some tips on how to navigate friendships as full-time parents:

1. Embrace Flexibility

Opt for casual, low-pressure meetups like coffee dates or playdates.

2. Join Mom Groups

Connect with fellow moms who understand and relate to your challenges and joys that come with motherhood!

3. Prioritize Quality over Quantity

Focus on nurturing a few meaningful friendships. Chose friends who are supportive, understanding and uplifting.

4. Be patient and compassionate

Recognize that both you and your friends are adjusting to new dynamics. Give this life change time to settle.

5. Acknowledge the changes

Becoming a mom brings many changes. Embrace those changes and don't try to fight them!