Let’s be real: navigating motherhood would be impossible without my circle of mom pals. Some are just a text away, while others are nearby, but they all provide the support I need. A diverse group of mom friends serves as my go-to source for advice, encouragement, and insights, especially during those exhausting days. If you’re on the hunt for your own Mom Tribe, here are five types of mamas you definitely want in your life and tips on where to connect with them:
1. The Supportive Mom
My favorite type of mom friend is the one who’s always there to validate my more unconventional parenting choices. Whether it’s dinner consisting of popcorn (hey, it’s a vegetable) or an entire day of screen time (look at those hand-eye coordination skills!), she’ll spin it positively. The Supportive Mom knows how to lift your spirits and remind you that you’re doing a great job.
Where to find her: The local Chick-fil-A play area. She’ll be scrolling through her social media while her kids play, because who doesn’t love a meal that comes with a toy?
2. The Same-Stage Mom
You can’t underestimate the value of having a friend with a child the same age as yours. This mom is right there in the trenches with you, sharing the same worries and triumphs. Who else can you text about whether that neon orange poop is normal, complete with photos? Without my Same-Stage friends, I might have thought my firstborn should be crawling at four months or should wait on solids until they had a tooth. It truly takes a village!
Where to find her: The Bouncing Babies story hour at your local library. It’s free, age-appropriate, and you can assess her vibe based on her enthusiasm for the chicken dance.
3. The Wise Mom
She’s seen it all and won’t hesitate to remind you that whether you breastfeed or use formula won’t be on your child’s college application. The Wise Mom has a wealth of experience and perspective that can help you prioritize what really matters. When you’re deep in the teething woes, she’ll gently remind you that braces are the next hurdle and they don’t come cheap. Her wisdom inspires you to embrace the little moments and not sweat the small stuff.
Where to find her: The school volunteer committee. She’s probably one of the leaders, and because you’re buddies, she’ll help you avoid the cleanup duty.
4. The Empathetic Mom
She’s your go-to for a supportive coffee when you discover your kid is the biter in class or when you’re halfway through potty training. The Empathetic Mom never questions your choices or suggests that you read the latest parenting book—she’s just there to reassure you that you are not alone in this journey. Her steady presence reminds you that you’ll get through even the toughest days of motherhood, even if it’s just by the skin of your teeth.
Where to find her: The pediatrician’s office. Bonding over baby ear infections will lead to tips on remedies for your little ones and perhaps a bottle of wine from CVS to help you through the sleepless nights.
5. The Go-With-the-Flow Mom
Just got a last-minute call from your partner saying they’ll be late? This is the mom you call for an impromptu Happy Meal and wine playdate. She’s flexible, low-maintenance, and you never need to tidy up before she arrives. She won’t roll her eyes when you complain about another unexpected school snow day and knows exactly which playground has a Starbucks nearby. Bonus: at least one of her kids is likely still in pajamas and she’s never made a Pinterest-worthy craft.
Where to find her: The playground, casually sitting on a bench while her kids play nearby. She’s the chill one, not fretting about every slide run.
Now that you know the types of mom friends to seek out, go ahead and build that tribe! And if you’re also considering your options for starting a family, check out this resource for at-home insemination kits and this page for valuable information on IVF.
Summary
Motherhood is more manageable with the right support system. Seek out five essential types of mom friends: the Supportive Mom, Same-Stage Mom, Wise Mom, Empathetic Mom, and Go-With-the-Flow Mom. Each brings something unique to your parenting journey, whether it’s validation, shared experiences, wisdom, empathy, or flexibility. Finding these friends can be as easy as visiting local play areas or library events.
Keyphrase: Mom friends every mother needs
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