New Mum Seeking New Friends

I came across this article "New Mom Seeking New Friends" a while back on Daily Bulletin, and it took me way back to when Rachel was first born..

Becoming a mother for me was quite an isolating experience. I was the first out of all my friends to have a baby, I didn't know anyone in my area, and other than my mum I had no one to talk to all day while Gerard, my sisters and my friends worked.

As happy as I was to become a mum, (and I was ecstatic!) I was also daunted and lonely and terrified, it was the one time in my life when I could have done with support from people in a similar situation.

When Rachel was 9 months old I bit the bullet and joined a local mother and toddler group. I was so nervous when I walked in for the first time, but little did I know that I would in time come to live for those Thursday mornings when I could engage in some adult talk and gossip. Even if it did constantly revolve around our children, our lengthy labours and our lack of sleep!

When Jake was born we moved house again. I spent another 2 years knowing no one in our area. So in Septemeber when Rachel started pre-school I once again began to venture out of the house.

The kids and I now attend two weekly mother and toddler groups, we are invited to more birthday parties than I can afford, and Gerard is starting to worry about the cost of my much improved social life.

It makes such a difference having people you can call upon in times of need. It makes an even bigger difference having people you can just talk rubbish with for a few hours while you watch the children play.

I am happier, therefore my children are happier. We have finally made a life for ourselves in our home-town.