Community & Friendship

To my sister who had kids before me: I’m sorry I didn’t get it

Now that I'm thinking back on it, I really had no clue about these 10 things.

To my friends who had kids before me: I am sorry I didn’t know

But now that I'm a mother, I do know. And I promise to pay it forward.

Sometimes motherhood can feel really lonely

The world is still out there, waiting for you to return to it.

10 crucial rules for visiting a newborn

When visiting a newborn, remember, it's about them, not you

I have no idea how to make mom friends—but I need them

One thing became abundantly clear: my introverted lifestyle needed to be seriously made over, and my only chance at surviving these childhood years would come in the form of a cross-body-bag-wearing, sleep-deprived carrier of small humans: another mom.

I just had my second baby and I miss making mom friends

I know things will go back to normal, eventually, but I feel so cheated out of the postpartum experience I wanted to have.

10 meaningful ways you can support mothers every day

Please start. We don't have any more time to lose.

My wish? For moms to support each other—differences and all

Here's the thing: Every mom I've encountered is simply trying to do the best she can for her children.

In the absence of a village, build your own

The time when you need a village the most also happens to be the time when it's hardest to build one.

To all my friends without kids: Thank you

Here's to all of the cool adults, our chosen family, who help make an impression on our children.

I forgot how to talk to adults

Before the pandemic I was a social butterfly, now I can't even keep up with casual conversations.

You’re not imagining it: Mothers need friendships to thrive

Missing friends is another factor that makes this pandemic so hard on moms.

12 ways to *actually* help a new mom during a pandemic

There are many ways that you can support a new mom right now! You just have to think outside the box a little bit.

It’s possible to make mom friends during a pandemic

Here's how (and why it's so important)

This viral cartoon is a reminder why we need mom friends right now

"My true friends showed up time and time again"

My village lives far away—but my Target baby registry helped them support me from afar

Virtual support was the next best thing to in-person hugs.

To my friend who had kids before me: I’m so sorry I judged you

I just didn't know.

I miss my friends so much

Sure, my kids miss their friends a lot—but so do I.

You don’t need to lie to me about motherhood

I am here to listen, comfort—and not judge.

I couldn’t have gotten through early motherhood without you

She must have sensed my neediness, because she invited me, a fragile stranger, into her apartment. It was cozy and inviting, strewn with kid stuff and safely baby-proofed. I lay my little one on a blanket on the floor and took a deep breath in, relaxing for the first time in ages.