How to Meet Stay At Home Moms

Being a full time Mom-at-home can be a lonely and isolating experience. Adult conversation with others like you is not only necessary for your sanity, it helps you be the best parent you can be.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Phone Book and Phone
• Transportation
• Notebook and pen
• Calendar or personal schedule

1. Let your fingers do the walking. As soon as nap time hits, dig into the phone book and look for professionals who provide services to Moms like yourself: Newcomers Associations, Pediatricians, OB/GYNs, YMCA, preschools, and public youth program directors are good places to start. Make a list of these names and numbers in your notebook.
2. Become stroller savvy. Walk through your local mall or park during any weekday morning. If you see a stroller, chances are good that either Grandma or Mom is behind it. Now break the ice. If you are shy about walking right up and introducing yourself, find something you admire about the Mom or the child and ask about it. ("Where did you find a stroller with a built in digital clock? That is fabulous!")
3. Check to see if your area has a local club or organization specifically for at-home mothers. (see link below). If not, consider starting one on behalf of all the other stroller-stalkers in your community. If you are a member of a religious organization, you may ask to have a notice printed in your weekly bulletin and start a group that way.

Tips & Warnings

• Set a reasonable goal for yourself, maybe 5 calls per day. Tell each caller you are looking to find other at home Moms who want to socialize with their children, and ask if they have any suggestions for who you could call to get more information.
• Make notes about who refers you to whom in your notebook. This way you can use the name of the referring person when you are calling someone new.
• Carry paper and pen so that you can write down your phone number or email address to give to any Mom who you meet who you'd like to stay in contact with.
• Once you meet a Mom, make a play date to meet again at a public place. After you've met a few times and are comfortable, reach out and invite her to your home for a play date.
• Be honest when you are talking. People are very skeptical these days, and may think you are trying to sell something or that you have malicious intent. Be friendly and honest; tell people why you need help finding other Moms at home.
• Newspapers and community announcements are tempting, but you should use caution and never give out your home address to strangers.