How can moms stay connected… once they disconnect?

As a “social media mom” I spend a lot of time online. I love reading, writing, connecting with moms all over the country. Commiserating about breastfeeding, napping issues, … sharing joys of baby’s first word, first step. The online mom community is vibrant and invigorating!

Yet I struggle with still feeling a bit disconnected. Still wanting a mom friend in-the-flesh. Someone I can call to go for a walk at the park because the sun just broke through the clouds. Or troll the library stacks with our babies. Or invite over for coffee and scones.

I have fantastic online mom friends I am incredibly thankful for, but I realized I also need to step away from the computer and develop friendships closer to home, too. Here are some ways I’m branching out to meet moms beyond the pixels and megabytes!

1. Join a group. Check your local library, coffee shop, church, or bookstore for postings about parent groups.
   • I joined a MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) group in my area. Meetings vary, but usually include food, discourse, and a craft or activity. I found several moms I love to talk to; some who are bloggers!
2. Here’s my card.We are in the business of child-raising. We need a network of mom-colleagues for support, information, and friendship. Business cards are nearly free online (or create your own with stamps and card stock). Consider them your “play date” card!
   • One night at a coffee shop, my husband and I met a couple with young children. We were tickled to see another family out for a cappuccino! I worked up my nerve, and handed the mom my blog card and invited her to get in touch. You never know if you’ll click with a mom at the library or doctor’s office, so have a card with your email and social media information handy to help you make a connection!
3. Do what you love. Chances are you’ll find like-minded moms enjoying the same activity. Perhaps you’ll find a kindred spirit. And it’s all great stimulus for baby! Don’t forget your card (see above!).
   • If you love books, make a weekly stop at the library (even if you have a Kindle!). If you like being active, instead of the treadmill or exercise video, change your routine and walk at the mall, park or school track. Take a class, visit a store event (Whole Foods has Family Nights and talks by local experts).
4. Give back. Check your library or school for opportunities. Ask if you can volunteer with the PTO/PTA in your school district. Schools are a great place meet moms while giving to the community (that your child may one day be a part of!).
   • I am still trying to find my niche in our community. Our library won’t let me volunteer with my child (they say it’s a liability). And although I’ve been a Board of Education member for the past year, (which I have found fascinating), I want to do something my baby can participate in. So I am searching for the perfect fit in volunteering. But trying new things gets me out of the house and connecting with community moms!

It’s important for moms to disconnect from the Internet so they can connect in real life, too. This is hard when the Internet is always “on,” full of hilarious tweets and insightful blog posts to read!

At the same time, I believe nothing replaces real human contact, shared experiences, and stretches of time spent together. Sometimes you need to see another mom’s eyes to understand the hurt she feels. Or you need a big hug from a fellow mom who “gets” your situation.

I think it’s important for today’s moms to find a balance between online and in-real-life friendships. Do you?

Do you have other ideas for ways moms can make connections in real life?