moms who become close friends and confidants. We also tend to feel evaluated as well as evaluate other moms, questioning whether we can build trust and connect with new mom friends. Scheduling conflicts, wondering if leaving the house is worth it, fear of offending other moms and feeling intimidated often prevent moms from finding mom friends. Despite the inconveniences of seeking mom friends, I cannot imagine not belonging to my tribe of mom friends. Studies show the downside of not having mom friends. The physical and mental health risks include isolation, loneliness, anxiety, loss of self-importance, anger, and even relationship issues with their spouses. Mom friends offer a strong support system who often play the role of therapist, school counselor, and best friend edge our feelings and challenges as mothers and come together to help one another. Creating and maintaining “mom friends” was instrumental in keeping my sanity as a mother. Whether you’re a full-time working mom, working part-time, or a stayat-home mom, we all experience similar emotions. The most challenging is whether we’re making the right decisions or even committing the worst mistakes. I learned that no matter what mistakes I made, my fears rarely materialized and my daughters would be just fine. Why is it sometimes difficult to make mom friends? We might feel uncomfortable meeting new moms who may not share the same beliefs we do. Children involved in extracurricular activities sometimes create opportunities to meet other Finding friends that have similar interests as you, such as hiking, is very important. “Being a part of a sisterhood that understands…helped me know that I wasn’t alone in feeling incompetent.” 152 HAWAII PARENT January/February 2025
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