Making new friends isn't always easy, especially if you're a parent. The reality is that when you have a baby, everything changes, including your schedule and priorities. It can be hard to keep up with friends who aren't parents. But it turns out, there are apps that can solve your dilemma and allow you to connect with other moms.
It's sort of like online dating. But instead of finding a date, you're paired with other moms who share your interests. All you have to do is complete a profile to find your mommy soulmate. Here are 5 new options to put on your radar:
1. MomCo
3. Smile Mom
There's no doubt that being a parent is frustrating, but there's another app that puts a smile in motherhood. Smile Mom is an app and online community where you can get parenting advice and connect with moms with children of a similar age in your area. Not only can you set up playdates, but it's also a place where you can buy and sell used baby clothes and other kid-related items. If you're a mom like me with a ton of clothes and gadgets, this app can really come in handy.
4. Hey! VINA
Similar to the dating app Tinder, Hey! VINA pairs women who share similar interests and have compatible personalities.
What makes this app so unique is that in addition to showing user pictures and profiles, it also uses an algorithm to match account details like mutual friends, location, and quiz results you take within the app.
As a busy mom of two, it's been tough to connect with other moms in my neighborhood.
5. Speed Dating for Moms
If you prefer to meet face-to-face right off the bat, then you might want to give Speed Dating for Moms a try. The idea was created by radio host and the voice of WNYC's parenting podcast "The Longest Shortest Time" Hillary Frank.
Frank's followers began bonding through Facebook, and she later decided to continue their online conversations in person. She actually had a hard time meeting mom friends following the birth of her daughter, Sasha, and thought this would be a great way to help other moms.
She set up a meet-and-greet with almost 80 moms in Brooklyn, who were paired off and given four minutes to chat before moving to the next mom. Recently, Speed Dating for Moms also hosted an event in San Francisco. Get on their mailing list to see if they're coming to a city near you.
My husband and I have been able to manage OK. But there are times when I yearn to speak with other moms who share our experiences. Don't get me wrong, the people we've met thus far have been great, but there's a limit to how much we're able to connect.
So I love the idea of finding a mommy match. As a busy mom of two, it's been tough to connect with other moms in my neighborhood. Fortunately, we've been able to set up playdates through daycare and what not, but it's hard finding people who actually get my struggles as a parent.
For example, my kids don't have allergies, but I do feel strongly about teaching them about healthy eating. Yet not every every parent feels the same way.
A healthy diet isn't my only concern. My kids are biracial, and I've faced some challenges that only other multiracial families can understand, like the time when my daughter said she's white, or the challenges of finding a diverse school for our kids to attend. It's great to know that there are apps out there that can help meet other parents like us with similar interests.
