How To Make New Mum Friends

If you’re reading this post, then I bet you’re on the hunt for some new mum friends. First of all, let me just say that you are not alone. Making friends as an adult is hard enough, but it’s even harder when you’re a mum. It can feel like you’re back in school, trying to navigate the complicated social circles and find your place in the world.

But fear not! I’ve been through the same struggles myself, and I’m here to offer you some tips that will help you find your tribe. So, grab a cuppa and let’s get started, here are my tips on how to make new mum friends.

Tip #1: Get To Know Your Neighbours

Have you noticed that other parents are walking home from school with their children and heading to the same area as you? If you have, this means that it’s pretty likely they live on the same street as you, or maybe one or two streets down. Getting to know your neighbours is a great way to start making new mum friends, without the pressure of having to actively go ‘searching’ for them.

If you want to learn how to make new mum friends, use this opportunity to get to know the other mums on your street. Strike up an easy conversation by offering a simple hello when you pass them on a walk, or ask how their children are getting on at school. 

Tip #2: Say “YES!” More Often

It’s so easy to pass up an invitation, trust me, I’ve been there and done that. I know just how nerve-wracking it can be when you’re trying to make new friends, and I have been so guilty of turning down invitations to mums’ nights out, play dates, and even just visits to the park. I’ve always let my nerves and anxiety get the best of me, and I’ve always talked myself out of saying “yes”. 

I promise you this though, saying “yes” now and then can completely change the way you feel about future opportunities and meetings. Saying “yes” more often can lead you to try new things, go to new places, and become friends with new people. Sure, it can be intimidating, but remember that everyone’s felt that way before and you probably won’t be the only person in that social circle who was apprehensive to say yes as well. If you want to learn how to make new mum friends, try saying “yes” to the opportunities and invitations that are presented to you.

Tip #3: Join local clubs or donate your time to your child’s PTA

When children are young, it’s always fun to pop along to baby and toddler clubs. These clubs are usually free or cost practically nothing to attend. But best of all, they allow you to meet lots of other new mums that are in the exact same position as you. Being a new mum can be isolating and lonely, so meeting new mums at baby groups is a great way to make new friends, as well as gain some vital support in those early years.

As your children grow older, you may find that the people you forged friendships with at the baby clubs move away or you lose contact. Don’t let this ruin your enthusiasm for making new mum friends though. When your child starts Primary/Junior school, you will undoubtedly be offered the opportunity to lend a hand to the school’s PTA – this is a great way to learn how to make new mum friends.

The PTA committee is responsible for putting on all the exciting events around the school, and fundraising for new equipment and games. The PTA is always looking for new volunteers, whether it’s to man a stall for an hour at the school fair, or simply help sort through lost uniforms for second-hand sales. Joining your school’s PTA presents you with the chance to meet like-minded parents, as well as help to improve the school for your children.

Tip #4: Offer to host play dates or even sleepovers

It sounds scary, but let me tell you this – it really isn’t as bad as you think! Trust me when I say that kids do not care if your house isn’t ‘perfect’. They don’t care if you offer them beige pizza and chips for tea. And they certainly don’t care if you have bits to get on with and can’t give them all your attention 100% of the time. Having your child’s friend over for a play date is a surefire way to make your kids happy, but it also gives you the chance to get to know your child’s best friend’s mum. 

If you’re worried about your home being untidy, you could suggest a playdate at the park instead. I’ve done this several times as it takes the pressure off trying to have a perfect home, especially when you have more than one child, or you have pets at home too. 

Tip #5: Use Social Media

Don’t you just love that there’s an app for everything these days? There’s even an app specifically designed to help mums find other mums to befriend in their local area. These apps are a little like online dating apps – you input your details and location, and other mums who are on the app and in your area pop up. You can scroll, interact, chat, arrange play dates and more. Plus, the benefit of using friendship apps is that you know these mums are actively seeking out new friends, which means you don’t need to be nervous about interrupting existing friendship groups. If you want to understand how to make new mum friends, exploring social media and friendship apps like this can help you to build confidence and chat to new mums without necessarily having to meet up with them.