How moms can find like-minded friends

Many people I know compare finding mom friends to the dating game. Moms are looking for company, but they are also yearning to meet a like-minded person experiencing the same things.

Why is it that this search sometimes feels more like a quest, and what can we do about it?

Some of your friends might not have kids, or have older children, so you feel out of step with them. Signing up for a new moms group, a class or checking out your local park are good ways to start looking for friends at this stage.

Consider your temperament and expectations. Maybe co-chairing the school auction isn’t for you. Instead, try activities that speak to your strengths and interests. You are more likely to meet someone there who clicks with you.

Contrary to what most of us expect, sometimes things get even more hectic when children are in middle and high school. Finding and making time for friendships to develop involves synchronizing your busy schedules.

Luckily, you can get out of the house alone when the kids are older, and make plans for a walk, coffee or movie date. The key is remembering to build this important time into your schedule as a recurring event and not just as a one-time happening.

The encouraging news about searching for mom friends is that it is a universal problem. The key is staying true to yourself and practicing patience and persistence.

Below are some tips on how and where to meet mom friends:

•Sign up for Stroller Strides fitness classes for moms with babies.

Check out what is happening locally and attend events or classes with your child.

Join a local moms’ club.

Get to know your neighbors.

Hang out at a local independent bookstore.

Start a parent-child book club.

Put up a sign at your park or neighborhood coffee joint or post on a community e-mail list that you want to start a play group.

Volunteer with your child.

Join a community/family yoga center.

Walk regularly with a friend at a time when you are both free (even if that is at 6:30 a.m.).