Advice for a LOST Mom

Something else, with this time of year, start going to parks in your area before lunch time. You will find other moms there. My brother is a stay at home dad, and this is what he did, they were not necessarily organized playgroups, but they got to were the same people would meet at the same parks. It helped his son with his socialization and kept my brother sane, if that was possible. With the economy being an issue why not look into some of the churches around that have the mothers day out, in the area you are in there should be some. Apply to work or volunteer, that way if there is a fee it will be discounted and you may find some positive experiences for your littl one as well as some great friends. and who knows if you dont have one already you may find a church home. Also not knowing your religious beliefs or values, check in some of the churches for what bible study groups they offer. Some offer young family or parents classes and will provide child care as well. This could also help forge out some great friends. Hope this helps.

Hey B.,

Do you go to church anywhere? I go to Pleasantview Baptist Church in Arlington at I-20 and Kelly Elliott. My closest friends are people I met there. We would love to have you try us out and see if you like it. Not only would you make friends but there are things for your child to do also.
God Bless,
R.

It is hard when you hear that you are known as a "wife" instead of who you are! They may not have meant it badly, but it could just be that's how they know you. But, it is important to have some outside friends that are "your own". A moms group, such as that already suggested, is a great idea. I organize one primarily for working moms (outside the home, that is!), but there are a bunch in the area. Ours is at http://workingmoms.meetup.com/5/ or you can just go to www.meetup.com and search the groups in your area. It's a great way to make friends for you and your family.

Good luck and hang in there!!

I see it is already posted once, but, I am all for www.meetup.com. I have joined a group in Mansfield that meets multiple times a week, it is such a huge blessing. I have even hosted a playdate myself, which has always intimidated me. I love this group and look forward to every get together we have. I am in Mansfield, if you are in Mansfield or Arlington area please email me back and I would love to share more info that might help you out. I am also looking into a ladies church study/playtime group that sounds just great. PLEASE get back with me if you live in the area. As SAHM's we need support and our kiddo's need interaction, it helps us grow as parents and helps the kiddo's develop and grow too.

First of all, I think that's crappy that they don't consider you more than their friend's wife. And try not to feel too bad or alone. I went through the same thing and have heard it's fairly common, sadly, when a woman starts a family to lose a lot of friends... There are lots of playgroups you can look into joining (I have one on yahoo groups) to help you meet people. It helped a TON when my daughter was little and has continued to be a blessing through the years. It's nice to get out with your kids and them be busy with other children while you can rest a little and enjoy adult conversation! LOL
If you need help finding a group in your area, feel free to message me!! Good luck!!!

Several people have suggested MOPS and church, and those are great suggestions! I would like to offer one more, an on-line DFW mom's bulletin board: www.dfwareamoms.com

It is a VERY active community, and very welcoming. After 30 days & 100 posts (not hard to do) you can access the playdate calendars and attend playdates.

After I moved to Texas 4 years ago I had a hard time meeting people. I found DFWAM and it was a lifesaver! I met a couple ladies that I got to know in real life and had an outlet available to me 24 hours a day to vent, talk, get support, etc etc. Give it a try, I think you'll like it!

B.,

Don't lose your faith in your friends. I think it is nice to have friends outside of your husband's work friends too. That way you and your husband don't always feel like you are living around his "work". It is sometimes hard to hang out with people and not talk about work. Sometimes people cannot relate to people they don't work with because they might not think they have anything in common. Therefore I think it is always nice to broaden your friendships.

Have you thought about joining a moms club? There is MOMS Club International that is wonderful. This is the link for the club in your area. You should contact them as you will meet some other nice ladies and get to include your 2 year old. http://www.geocities.com/momsclub_arno/

J.

Bless your heart, that isolation is something that affects every SAHM at some point, and you have to really get proactive and be willing to try some new things to combat it. One thing I did back in those days was attend MOPS meetings once a week; it was great. Check out their website to find a location near you:
http://www.mops.org/

I also recommend getting involved in a local church; you will very likely find ladies who are just like you and in need of some friendship! Best wishes to you, and remember--this too shall pass!

Hi B.!!
I so have been there - I am 33 with 4 kids now, but at 24 I only had one and he was 2yo & I remember feeling exactly that way!!!! Once they get in school you will find it much easier to have constant daytime interaction with women and friendships will blossom, trust me. But as for now - Mom Groups are GREAT - and even on here I have seen Moms reach out to each other. I have an 18mos little girl and my other three are in school during the day - I live in Arlington right across the street from Martin High School and am always on the lookout for new buds! : ) I have found its instrumental for our piece of mind to have our Girls in our lives : ) - so send me a msg if ya want - our babies are close in age! Sending ya hugs - D

I started going to Jazzercize at Lee Park in Irving. They have childcare for the morning classes & I met a great friend there. Neither of us are jazzercising anymore, but our friendship has grown. This also gave me an hour to rest my brain! Hang in there. two-year olds are amazing and funny, but also tiring to keep up with. Good luck!

Hi B.! I have felt like myself very often. My husband grew up here so he knows alot of people and I know some but not enough to call anytimelike a real friend of my own. I am 25 with a 3 year old and my husband is in the oil field so he is gone for days or weeks at a time so I know how the loneliness can eat away at you. I would suggest trying the groups like all the others have or just sitting at a park and trying to make friends that way or putting your child in a Mother's Day Out program so that you have a little you time and then you don't feel so isolated. I am more than happy to talk to you or meet up at a park. Private message me if you would like to.

I joined Mom's Club, met people, found playgroups. Church is great too, really helpful with family life.