JANUARY 2015
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On Making Mom Friends During those early years with children, making and maintaining friendships with other moms can be hard. You may feel you just don’t have time, but you need these friendships now more than ever. Here are some tips that might help. 1. Take the initiative! Start by talking to other moms at the park or preschool. Try to have a few conversation starters ready so you do not miss out on opportunities to make new friends. Something simple like asking “how old is your child?” or “do you belong to any mommy groups?” or “where did you get that cute sweater?” I was always amazed how I could talk a mile a minute – until I met another mom. Then my mind went blank.
Announcements The next meeting is the deadline to pay for fees this semester. Fees are $70/ semester or $140/year. Make checks out to FPCE and give to Jessica Filson. If you know that you will be missing a MOPS meeting or that you will not be bringing your kid(s) to a meeting, please e-mail childcare@fpcedmond.org to let them know. This will greatly help our childcare workers in MOPPETS. Looking to join a Bible study with other MOPS moms? Cindy Elass will be leading a Bible study God’s Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart from 9:30-11 a.m. on the Fridays that we don’t have MOPS. Childcare is available by e-mailing childcare@fpcedmond.org. Contact Cindy if you would like more information or would like to participate.
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by Lisa Allison, http://www.mops.org/blog/on-making-mom-friends
2. Say yes! When you get an invitation to go to the park, a mom’s night out, any event, say yes as often as possible. If you don’t, you limit your chance of meeting other women and making friends with those you most likely share common interests. I know sometimes you are tired, but trust me – the right women friendships will rejuvenate you! You will be happy you said yes! 3. Host! Host a playdate or a mom’s Bunco night. The house may be a mess with toys everywhere and Sharpie drawings on your walls. First, realize we are all in the same boat. Second, set the timer and tell the kids whoever can pick up the most toys in five minutes wins! Third, hang up all of the art your kids bring home from preschool over the Sharpie marks. 4. Don’t push. Making friends with other moms is like dating. This is why you need patience. I thought I met the perfect mom at my first MOPS group. We had a lot in common. I was so excited. I immediately wrote her an email going on about our common interests. My chance to talk to another adult! I was excited, and I just unleashed it all in this email. She did not respond, and we never spoke too much again. Looking back, I revealed too much, too soon. My advice – don’t push it. Try to let the friendship take its natural course and have the patience to know it will work out if it is meant to. 5. Don’t rush. When you first become a mom you may feel so overwhelmed that you simply cannot see yourself making the social circles. If you are not ready, then don’t rush it. But do not wait too long. With a new baby, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone.
2015
Meeting Dates January 9 & January 23 February 13 & February 27 March 13 & March 27 April 10 & April 24 May 8