My Experience in Brookside/Walco Today.

M.,

Although they're close in proximity, I think you'll find Waldo and Brookside to be two distinct environments, the latter being somewhat more yuppy and the former being a little more low key. I actually like Brookside. The shops are funky, the shopkeepers pleasant, and the ambiance fun. But I take my own pals down there when I go!

Don't give up on Waldo. It's adorable and the people I know who live in there are great folks. I live, btw, near where you live now, on the KS side, but very near State Line.

S.

M.-
First off i should say that i live in johson county but went to school near brookside/waldo (UMKC) and had the very same impressions of that place when i was a student a while back. My best advice is to give it another shot with something else..maybe visit the shops, bookstores, etc to get a better feel on the people in the area. I think it is so important to mesh well with your surroundings/community...that's why i love JoCo so much! I have amazing friends and connections here.

I hope you find what you're looking for! :)

C.
Mom to Nate & Will

M.,

I know exactly what you mean about Brookside! I have had similar mom experiences there; everyone seems materialistic and self-absorbed. I was ignored because I don't have an expensive stroller. Please, how juvenile!

I don't think Waldo is like that at all. I live in Hyde Park, and I have trouble finding any moms around here that stay home like me. Have you tried going to story times/activities at the Waldo branch of the public library? I bet you could find some like-minded folks there.

A.

I know exactly what you mean. Me and family live in Brookside as well. I often still feel like I don't fit in, or that there is this "cliqueishness" that goes on with all the women who live and grew up here. However, I have been fortunate to meet a few other new moms who are in the same boat as me. The trick seems to be to find them at parks and things. When I do venture out in Brookside, it's usually just for the time with my kids, but there is never a shortage of very nice mothers at different parks. I think, they too, have had the same experience and seem a little guarded. But, they are there, and also at the library. I don't know how well the Waldo library is, but the Plaza library is EXCELLENT, and we are starting to get to know the librarians and groups. I hear there is a nice group of mothers called The Brookside Moms Association that you could look into. I haven't yet, so I couldn't say, but I have heard from different people that they are really nice and involved. I'm sorry that you got discouraged, but keep your chin up, and know there is a great network out there, I too am getting into the groove.