Community & Friendship - Motherly
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Community & Friendship

Friends, coworkers, neighbors: Motherly can help you navigate the community that supports you with advice and essays from real mamas.

woman with head wrapped in hands

To my struggling friend—I am here for you

We have all been undone. We can hold space for them because we get it.

two women hugging

Motherhood is: Never seeing your friends but feeling closer than ever

These friendships are built on a level of trust and vulnerability that I didn't even know I could give or receive until motherhood exposed the rawest moments of my life.

A thank you letter to my friends without kids

In the midst of raising kids, talking about kids, and being with others who have kids, a lot of parents overlook just how much love and support you pour into us.

A huge thank you to my village for showing up

The woman I am today is because of the community of women I have in my life.

My girls’ weekend was more than a break from parenting—it was an eye-opening learning experience

I learned that it's impossible to underestimate the value of an old friendship and that my children were compeltely fine without me.

mom in the kitchen with two little girls

Mama, my best advice for you? Let people help

What if we all admitted that motherhood can be so, so hard sometimes? What if, after we did that, then we asked for help from the people we love? Or what if we just took it when it was offered to us? Without fear or guilt or inadequacy or feeling like we owe them or beating ourselves up over it?

True life: Finding a mom friend feels a lot like dating

"Nice stroller," I nervously flirted. "Thanks," she replied, smiling sheepishly. "How old is your baby?"

two women kissing toddler on the cheek

Living close to my sister made such a huge difference when I became a mom

Watching my kids play with her kids—and the bond they share—makes me so proud. They fight and argue like siblings, but they also light up when they see each other and laugh so hard whenever they're together.

two women drinking coffee together

7 ways to maintain friendships with child-free friends, according to a therapist

How can we continue to nourish relationships with people who don't relate to the sometimes all-consuming experience of motherhood?

one woman giving a speech for another friend

To my pregnant best friend—you’re going to be an amazing mama

I know you’re worried. I know you’re scared. But you know what I know? You’ve got this.

mom kissing baby on the head

Mothers try to do the work of many, but one person does not make a village

“It takes a village to raise a child.” That’s right—an entire small town. Cut yourself a break—you’re just one woman.

mom holding baby against window doors

The absence of villages has made us think we need to handle motherhood alone—but we don’t

I was alone. Doing it by myself because I COULD. But it wasn't as fun as I thought it would be. I didn't do it as well. And I felt lonely.

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