I am a 41 yr old SAHM to 1 and 2 yr old boys. Prior to kids I did Daycare in my home for for about 13 yrs. I married a Farmer about 3 1/2 yrs ago, had 2 kids right away and the few friends that I had went by the way side. Most of them have grown children or older children. I didn't think much of it until I started thinking that my kids need to work on their social skills with other kids and it certainly wouldn't hurt me either. I get out to my Weight Watchers Meeting by myself for a couple hours a week but haven't really developed any real friendships because I'm the Leader. We get out quite a bit but we don't ever meet anybody. My frugality keeps me from paying for a playgroup. Just wondering where some of you have found friends for yourself and your kids.

My kids are a bit older than yours, but I would love to get together when ever!!!! Most of the mom's I meet are waaay younger than me (I only got you by a couple of years) so I would love to meet sometime!!! You could come here, or I can go there or we could meet at a park or something!!!! Pm me and we can make some plans!

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~Happiness is a large family~

I actually met a wonderful mom on this very site last year. "Rookie" is now one of my very good friends. The park is another great place to meet other moms and kids. I met another friend last summer at the park. Try story time at a library or bookstore, even an ECFE class. I know a lot of the moms I've met at the park talk about the great friends they've made through ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education). Good luck!

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ECFE is where I have met some wonderful friends!! they have such great programs!!!

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Kelly mom to 3 great girls A Peanut, a monkey and a little burrito.

The summer ECFE book comes out tomorrow. I'll check it out. My boys are addicted to me and I need to lesson that!

I've made friends with other moms in toddler parks; if you end up talking to someone whose company you enjoy, you can exchange numbers or email. We usually meet informally at the park until we decide to ask one another over to our homes. I've also made friends through swimming lessons with our daughter. There are parent/child swim groups, and you can meet moms that way. Basically, just go where moms go, and start talking to other moms. You might have to spend a little bit of money (but parks are free). Good luck!

The ECFE sounds like a great idea, too.

Try a local MOMs club. You can check momsclub.org online to find one in your area. For a small yearly dues (ours is $25) you get access to activities, playgroups and much more. I have met many wonderful moms this way.

I second the MOMS Club suggestion. It's an international organization with a community base feel. They do service projects, charity fundraisers, visit the elderly and branch off into separate smaller groups within the club based on interest. I moved here two months ago and was going crazy and then just last week I joined my SECOND MOMS Club (my first one was in Florida) and it's been great. The women are positive and supportive and come together for a cause, not just the playgroups. The emphasis is on MOMS. Go towww.momsclub.org and see if there is a club near you!

I also would recommend this site: www.matchingmoms.org. You go and create an account and based on your zip code they connect you with other moms in that area. It can also pair you with people who have kids your kids' ages, your age, or proximity to where you are


When I moved here I also looked into www.meetup.com. They often have groups created on various interests. You want the one based on parenting! (Obviously). Be nosey and snoop around meetup.com and see what you can find. Same applies to yahoo groups. Create a Yahoo email account and then check to see what groups are created in your area. Read their group descriptions and judge to see if you think you would fit in. In both cases, the groups may be "private" or "not accepting new members" but sometimes if you send a plea to the group, they will reconsider!

Lastly, www.craigslist.com sometimes has ads in the "child care" section of moms looking for playdates. You just have to be choosey about who you want to spend your time wtih. Get to know that person through emails first and then make a decision as to whether or not you two jive!


Good luck!

Do you belong to a church? Our church has a 'Families with Young Children' group and it's really popular.

I just found a playgroup through this site and I love it. They have a calendar and all kinds of things to do.