JUST MOM: Better Together

I thought I was busy when I had toddlers, but now that two of mine are in elementary school, I see I had no idea how hectic life could be. I can only imagine middle and high school busyness at this point.

So, why should we, as incredibly busy women, make the effort to be friends with other moms? Why should I carve out time for a girl’s night out, a coffee date or even just a late evening walk?

Having friends who get what you are going through gives you a sense of belonging and connection.

Want to talk about a poo-splosion at the grocery store or the sassiness of your tween? A mom friend could tell you that both are totally normal, and difficult in their own way.

Seeing that other women are going through the same things as you helps us to see that we are not alone. And not crazy for taking the phone away from the teen and making them talk to people face to face!

A mom friend who has already gone through the younger kid phases can also be a source of wisdom and experience.

How do you sleep train a toddler? How do you handle the bullying of an elementary kid? They can be a sounding board for your own thoughts because she has been there and done that craziness already. Naked potty training is totally a thing, right?

Having women friends can also be good for your health. No one person can be expected to fulfill all your needs, so it is unfair to assume that your spouse can. It can only improve marital health to be able to lean on others wisdom at some points.

Mom friends can also help with physical health. Studies have shown that social ties can literally reduce one’s risk of disease by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.

Back in history, extended families got together for quilting bees or washing clothes down at the river. They formed a natural mothering community to get advice from and pass down wisdom. Most of us nowadays do not live near extended family, or if you do, don’t see them every day.

Maybe it is time to build our own tribe of women who we can support and can support us.

If you are interested in being part of a community that supports each other through the good and the bad, consider joining the Raise Up Mom’s Support Group based out of Rockwell City. The group meets from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday nights, with doors opening at 6 p.m. for chatting and cookies.

The vision of that group is to “Raise up families who love and lead well.” It is a lofty goal, but one worth striving for.