The Importance of Mom Friends

February 14th is Valentine’s Day, which also means that Galentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re not familiar with Galentine’s Day, it’s the day before Valentine’s Day where gals support gals, women support women and moms support moms.

As mothers, it is crucial that we take care of our mental health. And a large portion of our mental health can be attributed to the friends we have in our lives. Friends help us to get through the tough times and celebrate with us in good times. Transitioning into motherhood can be tricky and having a support system of mothers who are going through similar trials and joys can be very helpful.

A Necessary Part of Motherhood

With all of the diaper changing, cleaning, preparing and planning that motherhood entails, it can be easy to feel like there is little to no time for friends. Instead of seeing time with friends as a treat, try to see it as a necessity (#selfcare). Changing your mindset on the importance of friendship will help you to make time for friends. Studies have shown that friendship truly is necessary for your emotional health, and spending time with friends enriches your motherhood.

That’s why we want to focus on the importance of community in motherhood this Galentine’s Day. Here are a few things you can do to foster a community of mom friends: 

• Join a mother’s group in person 

• Join a mother’s group on Facebook 

• Ask your friends if they know any moms you can connect with 

• Attend story time at your local library 

• Go to mommy and me classes 


Mommy’s Bundle has a great post that provides details on how to find online and in-person mom groups. Click here to read. 

Get Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Another great way to meet friends is to get outside of your comfort zone. If you see a mom with kiddos at a park or children’s museum, try to strike up a conversation. Invite a fellow mom out to coffee or even ask to meet for a playdate the following week. It can be nerve-wracking, but the benefits will outweigh the fear in the long run. 
To cultivate a community of moms, you could host an event with mothers you already know. Having mamas over for brunch with the kids or dinner with just the girls could be the start of a great group of mom friends. 

Go Through Motherhood Together 

Frequent socialization is a powerful way to deal with the highs and lows of motherhood. Isolation, loneliness, depression, anxiety, anger issues, weight loss or gain and relationship issues are just a few of the risks not making mom friends poses to your mental and physical health. It can be difficult to navigate the waters of motherhood alone. 

Mutual understanding of the demands of mom life helps you to realize that everyone feels similar emotions. Although friends enhance each stage of life, having mom friends can make you feel less alone in your struggle. 

“As moms, we are in this together – raising the future. We are a tribe of future makers, so let’s support each other.”

- Marissa Hermer