Keeping Friends (While Parenting)

Becoming a parent can feel like a whirlwind of diapers, baby bottles, and endless to-do lists. It’s easy to forget about the friendships that once filled your life with joy. Maintaining friendships as a parent is really hard, but isn’t impossible. It takes creativity, a lot of grace, and maybe some help from your little ones.

1. Playdates

We don’t just set up playdates for our kids—they’re for you too. Inviting a friend over for a playdate means you’re not just fostering your child’s social life, you’re also creating space to catch up with another adult. The conversation may be interrupted by tantrums and snack requests, but you’ll be with someone who is theoretically accustomed to that.

2. Join a Local Mom Group

Scheduling time to meet up with friends who are just as busy as you are can feel nearly impossible. That’s where local mom groups like MomCo and Moms Club come in. These groups provide a built-in community of women who are going through the same stages of life as you. The best part is that you don’t have to wait for an invitation. Show up, and you’ll find a whole new circle of friends.

3. Church!

Church is the best part of the week in our family, and it became even more special when we had children. If your church has a nursery to drop your little ones off, you get to spend time with other adults who all share your faith in Jesus. Make use of this time, stay late and fellowship, let your kids run around with other kids, and say hi to the other moms picking up their little ones. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Final Thoughts

Maintaining friendships as a mom might not be as simple as it once was, but it’s still possible—and incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s through playdates, joining a local mom group, or sending a text every now and then, the key is staying connected. Your friendships will look different now, but they can still be just as meaningful.