How to Find Mom Friends: 7 Hacks for Making Real Connections

1. Tap into Online Communities (Like Reddit and Facebook Groups)

The internet is a goldmine of opportunities to connect with other moms. Reddit and Facebook groups are two of the best platforms where you can connect with moms who are in similar situations.

Reddit’s Mom Communities

But how do you find mom friends on Reddit? Subreddits like r/mommit, r/parenting, and r/workingmoms are fantastic places to start. Popsugar also has a great list of more specific mom subreddits.

The nice thing about Reddit is the anonymity it offers. You can engage with others without feeling pressured to share too much personal information, making it a low-barrier way to dip your toes into online friendships or just get advice.

Plus, Reddit often has local mom subreddits where you can find moms in your area too. Reddit is filled with moms from all walks of life, so you’re bound to find someone who clicks with you.

Facebook Groups

Facebook, on the other hand, is a great platform for finding more localized communities. You can search for mom groups in your area or find national groups based on interests like homeschooling, eco-friendly living, or even specific parenting styles.

These groups often become tight-knit, and the posts and interactions feel more personal since you’re connecting with people in a space where everyone knows each other (even if only virtually).

Where to start

The best place to start is by searching for local mom groups or interest-based communities. A quick search on Facebook or Reddit will reveal a wealth of options, whether you’re looking for advice, friends, or even meetups in your area.

It can take time, but once you find the right group, it can be a great source of support and connection.

2. Download the Peanut App

Believe it or not, I literally met my husband on Tinder (a dating app). We will be celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary this March so when I became a mom I figured, if I can meet my husband on an app, why not a mom bff?

Have you ever thought “Is there an app to make mom friends?” the answer is yes! And it’s called the Peanut app!

The Peanut app is an app designed just like a dating app except specifically designed to connect moms, build friendships and find support. It’s the ultimate mom friends app!

Whether you’re looking to meet someone who’s into the same parenting approach, searching for a fellow mom to chat with, or just want a friend to meet up with, Peanut makes it easy to find the right fit.

Peanut Groups & Pods

Peanut Groups and Pods are one of the best features of the app. These are local or topic-based groups where moms can connect over shared interests or similar life stages.

You can join a local pod for your city or find a group focused on a particular topic, like working moms, stay-at-home moms, or even health-conscious moms. It’s a great way to meet other moms who are going through the same thing as you.

What makes Peanut so appealing is how simple it is to use. It’s just like any other social media app, but instead of connecting with random people, you’re specifically finding moms who share your experiences.

Whether you’re chatting in a pod or sending a direct message to someone you connect with, you can start forming real relationships without ever leaving the app. Plus, it’s completely free, so there’s no reason not to give it a try!

3. Leverage Meetup and Local Event Platforms

If you prefer meeting people face-to-face, some other great apps are Meetup and Nextdoor. These are fantastic tools to find local events and groups specifically for moms.

Both platforms allow you to search for events happening in your area, so its a great place if you’re looking for a playdate, a moms’ night out, or even a casual coffee meet-up, there’s a group for that.

Meetup

Meetup is especially great because it connects you with people who share the same interests and hobbies. You can search for groups based on things like age, kids’ ages, or even interests like fitness or book clubs.

If you’re new to an area or just looking to expand your social circle, Meetup has something for everyone. It really is a great way to meet moms who are actively looking to make new friends and build a community.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor, on the other hand, focuses more on local connections. It’s a social network for your neighborhood, so if you’re looking for moms in your exact area, Nextdoor is perfect.

You can find and join moms’ groups, get recommendations for local activities, or even organize your own events, like a neighborhood playdate or mom’s night out.

The beauty of both platforms is that they take the guesswork out of meeting new people. No more awkwardly asking around at the park or hoping to bump into someone at the grocery store.

With Meetup and Nextdoor, you have all the tools you need to start connecting with local moms who are just as eager to make new friends as you are.

4. Be Active in Your Local Community (Library Programs, Playgroups, etc.)

Sometimes, the best way to meet other moms is to just get out there and be active in your community. Local programs and events—like library storytimes, playgroups, even recreational sports teams—are the perfect opportunity to meet other moms in your area.

Not only are these places great for meeting people, but they’re also a chance for your kids to socialize, too!

Library Storytimes/Events

Many local libraries host free storytimes or classes for parents and kids, and these are usually great places to meet other moms who are in the same stage of life as you and local! Plus, they’re a low-pressure way to start a conversation.

You’re already there for a reason (to enjoy the event with your child), so it’s easy to approach someone and start a conversation that could lead to another hang out or meetup.

Playgroups

Playgroups are another great way to connect. Many community centers, local parks, churches, or even neighborhood Facebook groups have playdates and meetups set up regularly.

These groups are perfect for those of us who are looking for a more casual, no-strings-attached way to meet new people.

Sports & Extracurriculars

If your child is old enough, another great way to meet fellow moms is by joining a rec league sports team. Most cities offer sports for kids to play on through their sports and recreation departments, and these leagues often have parent involvement as well.

Plus, you’ll already have something in common—your kids—and that makes it easy to start a conversation and build a connection just while watching practices and games. You could also try joining a gymnastics class, dance class, or martial arts gym for a similar experience.

Being involved in your local community not only opens up opportunities to meet other moms but also gives you a chance to feel more connected to the area. It’s also a win for your kids, who will have new friends to play with!

5. Attend Parenting Classes or Workshops

For a more structured way to meet other moms, consider signing up for a parenting class or workshop. Many community centers, hospitals, or even local businesses offer classes specifically designed for parents, covering everything from newborn care to toddler behavior.

These classes are often filled with parents who are in similar life stages, making them the perfect opportunity to form real, lasting connections.

Parenting workshops or baby care classes give you the chance to meet others while also learning something new. Many classes encourage group discussions or offer breaks where you can chat with fellow parents about what you’re learning (and your parenting struggles!).

These shared experiences create natural conversation starters and a great opportunity to bond with other moms who are going through the same milestones as you.

Online Classes & Workshops

You can also find online classes and workshops, which can be just as effective for making connections. Something like a virtual breastfeeding support group or an online parenting webinar allow you to meet other moms from all over while still getting valuable advice and education.

Some of these workshops even have private social media groups where you can continue connecting with fellow participants after the class ends.

So if you’re looking to expand your network while also learning something new, a parenting class or workshop might be just what you need. It’s a great way to meet people in a more focused setting, and the shared experience of learning and parenting can help form lasting friendships.

6. Don’t Count Out Online Friends!

In today’s digital world, online friendships can be just as meaningful as in-person ones. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok offer great opportunities to connect with other moms who might live across the country (or even the world) but share the same parenting challenges and joys.

Over the years, I’ve met some of my closest mom friends through Instagram, and even though we’re all miles apart, we text daily, share stories, and support each other through the ups and downs of motherhood.

Content Creating has brought me my best mom friends

One of the best ways I’ve found to connect with other moms and make real mom friends on social media is through content creating. Not just that but it’s also given me something I can do just for me outside of motherhood.

Once you start creating it’s easy for people to get a vibe as to who you are and you can get a vibe for who another creator is. Soon you start connecting with similar creators and now also share a similar interest as you (content creating!).

Content creating and using social media in that way has been the best way for me to not just find mom friends but truly the best mom friends that I connect with the most.

What makes social media such a powerful tool is that it allows you to find moms who are in the same life stage or have the same interests as you. Whether it’s a mom who’s into fitness, a homeschooling mom, or someone who’s going through similar parenting struggles, you can find your tribe by following hashtags or joining niche groups.

Once you connect, you can start chatting in DMs, sending voice messages, texting, and even schedule in person meetups! The best part (for a homebody like me)? You don’t have to leave your house to meet these friends.

You can form real, supportive relationships without ever being in the same room, and in many ways, these friendships can be just as fulfilling as local connections. So don’t count out online friends—social media might just help you find your new best friend.

7. Be the kind of friend you wish you had

One of the hardest parts of making mom friends for me was the fact that I simply wanted to have mom friends. But I didn’t really want to have to go through all the effort of making mom friends. Especially as a mom who already feels like her time is limited.

In my 9 years of motherhood, I’ve finally realized that you’ll never have friends if you don’t first put in a good amount of effort to be someone that others want to be friends with. I’ve also found that those that put in the most effort have the best friendships.

Yes, friendship is a two-way street and it requires effort from both parties, but a few years ago when reflecting on some of the best or easiest friendships I had, I realized many of those came from people who put in a lot of effort into our friendship.

They were the ones always hosting a get-together at their house. They were the ones always inviting me to things. They were the ones making it extra apparent that they liked me as a person.

That’s the kind of friends we all want, yet few of us are willing to take on the role of being that person. Being the one who isn’t afraid to show that they want to be your friend, being the person who invites people, being the person who hosts get togethers.

Building strong, lasting friendships takes more than just meeting new people—it takes patience, consistency, and effort. Once you’ve met someone you connect with, it’s important to nurture that relationship and keep showing up for them.

Building a friendship isn’t always immediate, so be patient and give it time. Not every mom you meet is going to become your new best friend, and that’s okay. But with a little persistence, you can form real bonds that will last.

Ways to Connect and Build a Strong Friendship:

1. Show Interest: Ask questions about their kids, their life, and their interests. Showing that you care about more than just the surface level helps deepen the connection.
2. Be Vulnerable: Don’t be afraid to open up about your own struggles. Real friendships are built on mutual understanding, and being honest about the ups and downs of parenting creates trust.
3. Make Time: Don’t wait for them to reach out. Consistently text, call, or plan meetups. The more effort you put in, the more likely the friendship will grow.
4. Offer Help: Helping out with their kids, offering to carpool, or even just sending a “you’ve got this” text when you know they’re having a tough day can go a long way.
5. Plan Regular Hangouts: Make the effort to set up regular hangouts, whether it’s a weekly coffee date, a weekend playdate, or even a virtual catch-up.

It’s easy to get discouraged if a friendship doesn’t take off right away, but if you stay patient and consistent, those connections will blossom into real, lasting friendships. And remember, we are all wanting an invitation to friendship as moms so why not be the one to send it!

How to find mom friends:

Finding mom friends can feel like a daunting task, but it’s all about putting yourself out there and being open to new connections. Whether it’s through online communities, local meetups, or simply being active in your community, there are countless ways to meet other moms who can offer the support, friendship, and understanding you need.

Remember, building lasting friendships takes time and effort. Be patient, stay consistent, and be a good friend, and you’ll soon find your mom tribe. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and don’t discount online friendships, either—they can be just as valuable and supportive as in-person connections.

So, go ahead and try out some of these hacks to meet other moms. You never know, your next great friend might just be one post or DM away!

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