Taking Charge and Making Friends #NaBloPoMo

As a mom I'm always jumping into something new. Sometimes those new endeavors can be minor and other times major. But they all end up a great experience for me. 

I recently jumped into the role of organizer for my mommy meetup group. Our organizer was moving out of state and approached me about taking the lead and jumping in. I thought about it and decided that this was the only way I'd continue getting out of the house so I went with it and soon took over.

First it was quite time consuming. I'd scour the reader and various websites for free or inexpensive activities and events to do in the area. Then I started to realize that I really only had to spend one afternoon looking at various sources for ideas. And the rest of the days could be filled in with simple repeat activities like the zoo, Sea World, and indoor play places.

But one thing still was not quite right. I realized that when we met at a public place it could sometimes be hard to find our group without already knowing one or two mamas attending. So I started posting a monthly meetup at my home for new members to feel welcomed and get to know at least a few of the mamas before venturing out to the other meetups. This made it a lot easier to convince members that this was the right fit for them (and sometimes it wasn't...).

I don't know what I'd do without these ladies. My kids have come to love and trust them and even turn to them instead of me sometimes on the playground for support and comforting. And I, in turn, have also become that for some of the kids as well.

Just today we went to a Zoo Mommy Meetup that included a bus tour. My 18 month old daughter decided that she didn't want to sit in my lap, she wanted to sit on my friend's lap. Now my friend is in her third trimester and has a 2 year old of her own so I'm sure it wasn't fun having an 18 month old to carry as well but she happily did it the whole bus ride! Then at the zoo playground her daughter found my hand and lead me to where ever she wanted to play. Didn't want to have anything to do with her mommy. I love that!

I love the relationships that my children are building and love the friendships I'm building as well. Some may just be for the duration of my children's toddler and preschool years but I have a feeling a few others will be friendships that last quite a while.

If you're a new or expecting mom, new to a certain area, or if you just don't get out much, I highly suggest perusing the playgroups on Meetup.com and similar sites to find a playgroup for you and your little one(s). And don't feel weird about testing out a few at a time to find your niche. One group of moms might not fit well but try out another and you just might find the perfect playgroup.

I know I did!

What is something you've recently jumped into? 


5 comment(s) with love:

Diane said... Reply To This Comment

Sounds like a great group ! Thats awesome that you host get togethers so everyone can get to know each other!

Jen + Jeff said... Reply To This Comment

I'm so glad I joined this group. You have a wonderful way of making everyone feel welcome!

Grace said... Reply To This Comment

I wish I had know some of these types of groups when my kids were little.

Danielle S said... Reply To This Comment

This sounds like a great way to meet new friends. Wish they had something like this when my kids were young.

Danielle

Carolyn M said... Reply To This Comment

That's a great way to meet new supportive friends! Way to go!