The Importance of Having a Mom Tribe

When you are a stay at home parent, the opportunity to be able to socialize with anyone over a certain age becomes less and less. Most days, the only adult that I talk with is my husband after he comes home from work and the conversations aren't usually very exciting because we're both tired from his day of work and my day of making sure the kids stay alive and well.
   

On weekends and on family dinner nights, I am able to spend time with my in-laws and that is very refreshing. Sometimes, when I'm driving, I'll have the opportunity to talk with my mom or one of my grandmas or sisters on the phone, courtesy of the Bluetooth in my tiny car.  While these brief conversations can help my day pass by and fuel my need for conversation, sometimes, they aren't enough. Sometimes, you need friends who aren't family to talk with.
 
A while ago, I was invited to an early lunch with some of the moms that meet up for an occasional mom's group devotional time.Two of our dear friends will be partaking in a new adventure with their children by moving to another town a few hours away. As a last "hurrah" get-together, some of us moms met up to spend time with this mom who will be moving. This is what happened: We got together, we took some time ordering our food and then we talked. We talked about our children, we talked about our husbands (no bashing was allowed), and we talked about how each one of us was doing.

The Importance of Having a Mom Tribe

You Have Someone You Can Relate To

Even though we all had different personalities,  many of the stories that we told were similar in tale. It's amazing that even though each of us were different ages, had children of different ages, and were in different situations in life, we were able to all relate. For the moms with younger children, I was able to relate to them how I was able to calm my strong willed child and give them advise for them to use if they wish.

You Can Find Comfort and Encouragement

We were able to comfort those who were having a tough time. We were able to laugh about the misbehavior of our children that we knew shouldn't be laughed about, but it still ended up being funny. We were able to brag about our children. We were able to encourage each other and give advice about kids and marriage with no judgement.

Sometimes, you just need to get together with other moms just so you can talk and find comfort and release from every day life that you normally wouldn't be able to do.

You'll Have Listening Ears

Sometimes, we as moms, can feel like no one ever listens to us. Lately I've been going around the house complaining, "Am I invisible?! Can anyone hear me?" to which I either get no response or I get a snarky pre-preteen remark and then have to inwardly count to 10 so I don't go nuts on my kids.

These moms will listen to us. They'll empathize and sympathize with us. They understand because they're feeling similar feelings. These ladies have always listened to me and have engaged with thoughtful conversation, something that an overtired, over used to household may be not be in the mood for.

Conclusion

To our dear friends who are moving, I won't mention your name for privacy, but we hope and pray that you have a wonderful journey. I hope that you will be able to enjoy each other and your children with the extra time you gain together. Enjoy the new memories you make, while not forgetting the old. I also hope and pray that you'll be able to find new friends and a good support system. If you ever come back to town, which I'm sure you will,  give us a call.

I also hope that you moms or dads out there are able to find someone or a group of people that you can just hang out and talk with. It's good for you mentally and soulfully.

Do you have a support system of other moms or dads?