Moms, Find Your Pack

Momming ain't easy, so you better find your pack.

At every stage of motherhood there are different challenges, different questions that we all have, and different social and emotional needs and abilities.

When our babies are little, the days are long. We lose ourselves in the diaper changing and the feedings and the sleepless nights. Connection with others seems impossible! Use social media, join a New Mothers Group. Let the friends and family in that are putting in the effort. It's great to have the people around you reaching out and checking in. It is nice to know that you are loved and you are supported. TAKE THE HELP. When others offer, take them up on it! You do not have to do those months alone. And if you are reading this and someone in your life is in that new baby spot, stop reading….and send them a text!

As babies become toddlers and preschoolers, you will find you are able to get out and about a bit more. This is when you are able to start building relationships with other moms that are in that same place. Do that! Talk to the other moms! Commiserate, vent, build each up, take care of each other, and ask for help when you need it.

When your children first enter elementary school there will be all the opportunity in the world to be a part of the school environment. There will be volunteer positions, class moms, birthday parties where moms stay and hang out to chat. Do that! Connect, get to know those moms too!

Some of these moms may become your best friends, others the moms that you check in with as your kids get older and are looking for more independence. It is a lot easier to reach out to a familiar face when setting boundaries with your kids.

As your kids enter high school and go off to college, nurture those relationships from the past. Get coffee, dinner, or have a group text thread with the strong women that have been by your side in the different stages of your kids’ development. Continue to be there and support each other. Having other moms by your side as you go through the stages of parenting is invaluable. When your kids leave the nest and you are left feeling proud but aware of that little hole in your home and heart, you will have these moms by your side.

These will be women that have hugged you on your darkest days, have wiped your little ones nose when your hands were full, and have seen you through the highs and lows of parenthood. They will be there if you do the work and open yourself up for connection when your kids are young. Moms, I encourage you, don't forget to nourish friendships for yourself. Take care of each other.

If you found this post helpful please feel free to share it and subscribe for others like it! Thank you for your support - Lisa