For the first 9 months of my son’s life, I was trying to adjust (quite unsuccessfully) to my new role as a stay-at-home-mom. I felt lost, inept, and unsure about whether I had made the right decision to quit my job and stay home.
But once I found my incredibly supportive stay-at-home-moms group, I became a changed mommy!
Here are the reasons why I think every SAHM should join a moms group:
To find support
Nobody knows exactly what I’m going through like my friends in my moms group. They all have kids the same age as my son, half of them are pregnant like me, and all left lucrative careers to stay at home with their children.
If I need advice, these ladies are the first to offer some that actually works. If I need a last minute babysitter, I can always find one. And when I have my second baby, I’m sure they’ll be signing up to bring my family dinner for 2 weeks.
To keep the kids busy
If you’re in a well organized group, things are always planned throughout the month for the kids. We have 2 weekly playgroups, one monthly fieldtrip, one monthly arts and crafts group, and several holiday parties throughout the year. Plus, there’s always the weekly email from a mom wanting to set up a group to go berry picking, feed the ducks, or grab some lunch.
To get a break
Sometimes I think there’s actually more for the moms to do in the group than the kids. We have book and scrapbooking groups that meet monthly. And each month we plan a “Mom’s Night Out” to go dancing, to the movies, or just hang out without the kids. In the Fall we have a day retreat at a spa, and in the Spring we have a weekend long retreat at an incredible resort nearby.
Now, the trick is getting the hubby to take the kids during these times. But once he figures out that you’ll come home happy and relaxed, and possibly a bit tipsy, he’ll be glad to help (wink, wink).
To educate yourself
Moms are always trying to figure out the latest in parenting do’s and don’ts. Part of my favorite part of the group is attending the monthly 2 hour meetings. The kids are taken care of so the moms can learn from local experts about important parenting topics like discipline and teaching children to read. My group also sends out a monthly newsletter with lots of helpful tips and articles, all written by moms in the group.
To network
In my group, there are several mompreneurs, including photographers, web designers, and writers, who work from home. Each of these moms have met contacts and found overwhelming support within the group to help their businesses improve and grow.
If you want to join a moms group there are several nationwide groups that have local chapters including Mothers Offering Mothers Support, Mothers of Preschoolers, Mothers of Color at Home, and Mothers and More.
My group, the North Austin Mothers Club, is a local group, so search to see if there are some local groups in your area. And if not, why not start a group yourself?
If you join a moms group, you will be a changed, and much improved mommy. I promise!
10 Responses to “Why Every Stay-At-Home-Mom Should Join A Moms Group”
Debbie
1 year ago
RAH RAH!!! This is eXACtly why SAHM’s need social networking! It is so nice to hear from someone – whether you’ve met them face to face or not – that they KNOW what I’m going through. What a RELIEF that is!
My brain is in constant movement for all the new things I’m learning – and it does help me be a better mom to my kids. Even if I have to pry myself away from the latest post or comments I love to read. =)
Keeps me sane – keeps my sense of humor – makes Mommyhood more enjoyable!
Debbies last blog post..My Mom Rocks
Angela Green
1 year ago
Erin, I totally agree with every one of your points. Early on in my “mom” years I didn’t reach out very much, and in hindsight I see how silly that was. For the kids’ sake AND for mom’s sake, having a broad group of friends to play with and moms to talk with keeps everyone happy. I’ve also learned that a playdate is a mom’s best friend.
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Pam
1 year ago
I would have loved to have this when my first son was born. There wasn’t much available, that I was aware of, in 1992 & it was terribly lonely. Back then most women were waiting until their 30′s or 40′s to have their kids & concentrating on their careers. I was the only 25 year old I knew with a baby.
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Lisa
1 year ago
The only moms groups I could find here charge, so I didn’t join them.
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Erin Hill
1 year ago
Debbie I didn’t mention social networking, but, YES!, it is the same with moms groups online. It’s another great way to find support.
Erin Hills last blog post..A Light in the Dark
Erin Hill
1 year ago
Angie: That is my one regret, also, that I waited a whole 9 months to fnd a group. So silly of me!
Erin Hills last blog post..A Light in the Dark
Erin Hill
1 year ago
Pam: I’m so sorry you couldn’t find support when you needed it most. I think stay at home homs are becoming more empowered, now, and more and more of these groups are popping up.
Erin Hills last blog post..A Light in the Dark
Erin Hill
1 year ago
Lisa: Yeah, actually mine charges $20 a year, but it’s worth it because they provide other perks. Being part of the group provides me with a $120 discount a year on my YMCA membership so it’s totally worth it. Check to see if they have perks that outweigh the costs. Darn it! I should have put that as part of the post. Thanks for bringing it up!
Erin Hills last blog post..A Light in the Dark
Danielle
1 year ago
I found the MOMS Club when my oldest (now 8 years old) was a few months old. I joined in California then when I moved to Ohio there wasn’t a local chapter. So I started one! It took a long two years to get it really going but I did. When we moved last summer the chapter was going strong! I have treasured friends from my time in the club!
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Erin Hill
1 year ago
Wow, Danielle! You’re a rockstar! It takes a lot of effort to start a group, but you’ve made a huge difference in womens lives. Well done!
Erin Hills last blog post..A Light in the Dark