How to Make Friends as a Single Parent

Making friends is especially important for single parents since they don’t have live-in adult companionship. There are many single parents in every community. The trick is to find people who share your interests and values for meaningful relationships. Focusing on your own identity as an individual will lead to success.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 30 minutes per week (more if you have time)
• Blank journal book and a pen that's comfortable to hold
• A spirit of adventure

1. Plan a chunk of time each week for your new-friend project. Even if it’s only 30 minutes after the kids are in bed, it will pay off. Find someone to watch your children when you want to go out. Start a journal to log ideas, progress and resources on a regular basis.

2. Using your journal, write down everything you can about who you are, what makes you happy and what kind of people you get along best with.

3. Make a list of your most enjoyable activities. They can be anything as long as they are rewarding for you. Find out where these activities are taking place in your community. See if there are volunteer opportunities that can fit in your schedule.

4. Make a list of things you’ve always wanted to learn but never had time for. Look up inexpensive short-term adult classes in your community.

5. Make a list of the friends you have now whom you trust. Let them know you are seeking introductions to other friends, but not necessarily dates.

6. Make a list of activities you share with your children where you could meet other single parents.

7. Consider joining a nearby religious institution with many single parent members. Being part of an organization focused on spirituality, service and connection will make you feel less isolated.

8. Join a single parent support group. Join the parent teacher association at your child’s school. Get involved in a political campaign you care about.

9. Review your journal entries periodically to remind yourself that you’ve done a lot. Write down everything you did that worked and the things that didn’t work.

10. Give yourself a pat on the back for successfully taking charge of something important in your life.

Tips & Warnings

• When you meet someone who seems to have potential as a friend, don’t wait to be invited. Extend an invitation yourself.
• Include your children in activities with new adult friends if their children are the same ages or share similar interests.
• Take time to get to know strangers before inviting them to your home. Referrals from trusted friends will make the process easier.

Resources

• Information for single parents
• Information and supplies for journaling
• Single parent support groups

[Quickstar]

on 4/13/2009 Great advice on making friends as a single parent, thanks