Finding Support Groups

A recent study revealed that 1 in 4 moms have 0 to 1 friend. Mom life can be a rewarding yet challenging and at times, a lonely experience. It is completely normal to need support and guidance while raising kids. Finding support can help mothers feel less alone, overwhelmed, or anxious, and can provide them with the tools and resources they need to navigate the ups and downs of parenting. Support can come in many forms, such as family, friends, parent groups, or local groups. Mom groups, however, can be a great source of support because they provide a sense of community and connection with other mothers who are going through similar experiences. They can be a place to share advice, get help with parenting questions, and find emotional support. Finding support can help mothers feel more confident and capable in their parenting journey and can lead to a more positive and fulfilling parenting experience. You might be thinking you can only find a moms group at local community centers or a local church. You might even be wondering, “What if I can’t find mom groups near me?”

Connect with Other Moms Online

Many moms have found that joining an online mom group or Facebook groups can be a great way to find mom friends and support from other moms who don’t have or can’t find support locally. A common misconception is that online friendships are not the same as in-person friendships. The reality is that more young adults are finding real community online than ever before! Online groups can still be a safe space for new and experienced moms to have meaningful conversations, talk about real life, build leadership skills, or talk about the latest baby gear.

Where Can I Find an Online Support Group for Moms?

One of the easiest ways to find a group of moms online are Mama Meetups. Mama Meetups are online support groups for moms designed to help every mom find the connection and friends she deserves in any phase of mom life. Think Facebook groups, but better in every way. Meetups are as varied in demographics as they are in topic! From single mothers, military moms, working moms, moms with special needs kids, to moms of multiples, adoptive/foster moms, moms with older kids, and more! Topics range from parenting, mom guilt, intimacy, grief, social justice, mental health, deployment stress, work-life balance, and more! New groups start every month, with groups meeting every day of the week, at various times of the day.  

What Happens During an Online Moms Group?

Unlike Facebook groups, at each Mama Meetup, members log into the MOPS member website on the day/time that their group meets. Some groups meet every week or some meet twice a month. Every group is different to meet the varied needs of MOPS members. No special programs, apps, or access codes are required. Simply log in and click to open the online portal and join the conversation. Most meetings last about an hour, with guided discussion by the Meetup leader. Meetups have no prep-work required – just show up as you are, ready to connect and meet your new best friends. As friendships grow, many Meetup members also connect outside of meeting times through social media, texting, and email. Every mom can find support in a safe space with Mama Meetups. Your new friends are waiting for you!

The Best Way to Join

Searching our list of available Meetups is easy! Simply go to Find a Group Page and use the available filters to find what you’re looking for or simply, browse our entire list of online and in-person groups. When you see the Meetup that works for you, click the JOIN button. The Meetup leader will connect with you and explain how to join the next live discussion with other moms.

Interested in Leading A Mama Meetup Group?

Browsing the list but don’t see exactly the demographic fit or topic you were looking for? Consider starting a Meetup yourself!  Launching your own Meetup is quick and easy. Click START A MAMA MEETUP to connect with a launch specialist who will walk you through deciding what your group will be all about and when you’d like to start. Some quick training and connection to our Mama Meetup staff lead gives you all the resources and support you need to lead a successful group that equips and supports moms. We help you get the word out so moms from across the country and around the globe can find and join your group.

Is Membership Required to Join a Group?

MOPS membership is required in order to join a Mama Meetup. Once a member, you can join and lead any number of online mom groups as you would like during your 12-month membership period. Membership also gives you access to all the MOPS membership benefits and resources including MOPS’ exclusive Collectives, the video library, and member discounts.  Become a member by going to mops.org/membership to take the first step.

Mom friends are just a click away!

It can be hard to make mom friends as a young adult, and it can be especially challenging for mothers who may have limited time and opportunities to socialize. You are not alone and other moms feels the same way! But don’t give up on finding other moms to connect with and keep an open mind about the different ways that friendships can form. Here are a few tips for mothers who are looking to make new friends:

  1. Take the initiative and join an online Mama Meetup group, choosing a common interest like first time mom or specials needs. Remember, the goal is to meet moms that you might have a connection with.
  2. Be open and try to put yourself out there by engaging in conversations about your experience with parenting, relationships, etc. Maybe you can even take the opportunity to encourage other moms through the process.
  3. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and share your thoughts and feelings with others. This can help to create a deeper connection and build trust. Just about anything can be discussed inside moms groups.
  4. Be patient and understand that making mom friends takes time and effort. It may take a while to find the right fit.

The Need for Friendship is Scientific!

Friendship is an important aspect of life that has been studied by sociologists, psychologists, and other researchers. According to research, friendships can have a number of positive effects on both physical and mental health. Here are a few ways in which science has shown that friendship can be important:

  1. Friendships can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Having close friends who you can confide in and spend time with can help reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being.
  2. Friendships can help improve physical health. It sounds crazy, but studies have shown that people with strong social connections have a lower risk of many health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and depression.
  3. Friendships can help boost self-esteem and confidence. Having supportive friends can help you feel good about yourself and your abilities.
  4. Friendship groups can provide a sense of belonging and connection. Feeling connected to others is an important part of being human, and friendships can help provide that sense of connection.

The importance of friendship and connection in our lives cannot be overstated. As moms, we need friendship more than ever before. What are you waiting for? Join the community and get connected in your motherhood journey regardless of the your age, interest or time zone.

Find an online mom group today!

What is MOPS International?

Here at MOPS, we gather and support moms through small groups. We believe in the simple but revolutionary idea that remarkable things happen when moms come together. Our acronym stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” because we began in 1973 when a group of moms with young children banded together to share their lives and parenting journeys. Over the past 50 years, MOPS has expanded our reach to include ALL moms.  In addition, we are partnering with churches and organizations worldwide to equip and encourage moms inside of local or online MOPS groups in more than 70 countries.

Listen to two of our founders on how it all started!