It's the Perfect Time to Connect Again

Tami Kiser describes five ways moms (and families) can begin to rebuild connections and friendships.

Despite whether the pandemic is over or not, I think many of us moms are now looking for ways to connect again in person. Online zoom meetings were fine and so were some of those Catholic conferences that offered so many speakers, but let’s face it, we need to get back together in person and build those “real” relationships again -- albeit even behind a mask, as some of us are still doing. 

Feel like you are on uncharted ground because it’s been so long since you’ve talked to another human in person? Fear not. I’ve got some great suggestions for opportunities to build some great connections and friendships again. 

• That women’s or mom’s group at your parish. Perhaps it has gone by the wayside and it’s starting up again, or sadly, needs someone to restart it. Energize or start this group going again with your involvement. There are endless book studies that are light enough for the busiest mom, yet substantial enough to have meaningful and encouraging conversations.
  
  
• The Well Read Mom. You might already have one of these in a community near you or you can start one yourself. This book club goes through a classic, modern, or other well-known book a month. You meet to discuss the book and relate it to your own experience of life and faith. It’s very easy to lead. Everything is provided. You don’t have to be an expert in literature. As a result of this shared experience, friendships result. You can go to the website for more information: WellReadMom.com.
  
  
• Serving others. I’m not sure how soup kitchens or Meals on Wheels survived through this pandemic, but I bet they're ready for volunteers again. You could volunteer at your children’s school. This is a great place to meet parents with whom you probably have a lot in common. What is great about volunteering is that not only are you helping out a good cause, but you are building relationships with those with whom you are serving. You might keep this mind as you look to volunteer--both the cause and the opportunity for developing friendships.
  
  
• Neighborhood walking groups. Does your neighborhood have a walking group? This also “kills two birds with one stone.” You get some exercise, but you get the opportunity for conversation and fellowship. We had one walking group in my neighborhood where the group purposely prayed for each other’s concerns that were shared while on the walk. Does it need to be a large number of participants? Not at all. The ideal number might be 3-4.
  
  
• Playground playgroup. I think if you just need an excuse to see some of your friends who also have kids on a more regular basis, you can formally call it a playgroup and have regular playdates. “Let’s meet every Tuesday at 10:00 at Sunset Park.” Sometimes if we don’t schedule this time with friends, it will never happen.

Click to tweet:
5 ways for moms and families to rebuild friendships. #catholicmom

I just want to encourage you to get out there and work on your friendships. I know we may still be in masks, but that doesn’t have to prevent us from getting together. Outside if necessary. In these fragile, trying times, we need the strength and security that good friends and fellowship with others can bring.

Copyright 2021 Tami Kiser
Image: Arthur Devis, "Members of the Maynard Family in the Park at Waltons" (1755), National Galleries of Art, Public Domain