Raising a young family is a stressful and complicated process. That is why you need to have plenty of people that you can rely on when times get tough. Otherwise, you may find it a real struggle to cope with the demands of being a parent. When you are establishing your social circle, it is especially important that you find people who can understand your situation. This will help you to avoid judgement or unsolicited and unhelpful pieces of advice. If you are determined to strengthen the connection that you share with your fellow mums, you will need to put the work in. Below are seven tips to help you make this happen.
Enjoy grown-up activities
If you are going to bond with your fellow mums, it is important that your relationship exists outside of your children. Although it is important to think about your kids, it is also important to have friendships that don’t rely on the presence of your little ones. That is why you should look out for adult activities that you can enjoy together. One option is to treat all of your fellow mums to Escape Room gift cards. This is the perfect opportunity for you to put your mind to the test and to enjoy an adrenaline fuelled activity. It is also a great chance for you to bond with your friends away from the school gates or the local play area.
Give everyone the chance to take control
If you are part of a large group of mums, you need to make sure that everyone has the chance to take the lead. Why not take it in turns to choose a different activity? You could also take a vote on the time of day that you are meeting, the mode of transport you are using, and the choice of refreshments. If you are going to make a success of your plans, it is vital that you are sympathetic to everyone’s specific situation. You need to remember that everyone has a different schedule and a different set of responsibilities. Letting other people take the lead will also help you to learn about your fellow mums and their interests. It might be fun to see them in a different environment and to step outside of your own comfort zone.
Think about your budget
In order to ensure that no one feels left out, you need to think carefully about your budget. Make sure that you have a mixture of thrifty and more expensive activities available. Perhaps some nights you could stay in and have a home movie night. Or maybe you could enjoy a fun picnic in the park. One option is to meet every week and to do something small scale. Then, at the end of the month, you could enjoy one big activity that costs a little more. This is the perfect opportunity for you, and your mummy friends, to get the best of both worlds.
Think about your kids
Another vital step is to think about your kids. This will help everyone in the group to relax and to avoid any mummy guilt about having fun. One option is to find activities that are suitable for both adults and children. You could get crafty, go on a walk as a big group, or visit your local play area. You should also make plans for your children whenever you are planning to leave them at home. You could organise a fun movie night, throw together an exciting slumber party, or prepare them tasty snacks. You should also work hard to find a reliable childminder that everyone in your group is happy with. Having all of your children in one place will give your little ones the chance to make new friends. It will also help you to save on the cost of childcare and to feel more confident in your decision to venture out.
Embrace the opportunity to get dressed up
If you are busy raising a young family, you might not get too many opportunities to get dressed up. That is why you should embrace the chance to get out of your sweatpants and baggy jumpers. Even in the cold winter months, it is still possible to go out in style. You could even plan a giant shopping trip with your mummy friends and buy yourselves a new outfit. Just make sure that you are pushing yourself to experiment with new styles and doing your bit to boost your confidence levels.
Get your partners involved in the process
You should also make sure to get your partners involved in the process. This will help them to have a great social life as well. It will be much easier for you to maintain your social calendar, if you know the same people and get along as part of a big group. One of the best ways for you to get your other half involved is by arranging your own come dine with me. Each couple can take in turns to prepare a delicious meal and a night of entertainment. Then, once everyone has had a go, you can give a prize to the best night. Just make sure that the votes are anonymous and the competition doesn’t get out of hand. Another idea is to compete in physical activities such as a half marathon or a charity walk.
Keep it up
Whatever you do, just make sure that you keep up your efforts. If you are going to establish meaningful relationships, you will need to work at them. Why not create a schedule to put up on your fridge or on your family notice board? You could also download an app to manage your activities. This will help you to stay on top of your schedule. You could also sign up to something binding such as a gym membership. Then, you and your mummy friends will have an incentive to meet on a regular basis.
