Community & Friendship

Dear friends: I promise I’ll be back, but right now I have little ones to take care of

With two, my hands, my heart, my head all are full.

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.

85% of moms don’t think society understands or supports motherhood

We asked what mamas need. You told us.

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.

I wanted to find mom friends so I took the first step

Step one: Leave my house.

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.

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?"

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.

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?

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.

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.

To my child-free friends—I might have to say ‘no,’ but please still invite me

I miss you.

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.

To the other ‘moms’ in my child’s life–thank you

Five people who can offer wisdom. Five people who know their dreams and struggles.

To our pediatrician: We couldn’t do this without you

You, and your staff, have become an invaluable part of our village.

Real talk with Gail Simmons: It’s so important to create your own village

"You need hands. You need help," says Simmons. "It is so exhausting, and there's so many pieces to it."

To my village: Thank you for helping to shape me as a mother

I am the mother I am because of the collective group of women I have in my life.

To my friends who let me vent—thank you for not judging me

Thank you for letting me text you 10 messages in a row detailing what my kiddo is melting down over. Multiple times. At various points on various days.