When you’re a parent, it can feel like much of your time is taken up with ferrying your kids where they need to be—whether that’s the dentist, school or dance practice. While it’s important to make sure that your kids have plenty of activities and opportunities for socializing, you need to make sure you’re not missing out, either. Here are three simple ways to connect and expand your social circle as a parent.
Invite Other Parents For Coffee
When you’re standing at the school gates waiting for your kids at the end of the day, make an effort to engage with the other parents around you. The chances are, if you suggest a coffee morning meet up, plenty of others will want to join. Making new friends as an adult is hard enough, let alone when you’re also focused on your parenting. By reaching out to others with a simple invitation, they will really appreciate it and make the same effort with you.
Join A Club
Whether your passions lie in crafting, singing or exercise, joining a group focused on something you love is a great way to meet new likeminded people. Carve some time for yourself out of your busy week and allow yourself an hour or two to focus on the things you enjoy. Meeting people through hobbies means you’re guaranteed to have something in common, so the conversation can always fall back to your shared interests if you’re not sure what to say!
Host A Get Together
Whether you plan a barbecue in the backyard or a more formal dinner party, inviting your friends, acquaintances and neighbors round to yours will quickly build up social bonds. These events don’t need to be regular, it’s enough to invite people around once or twice a year to signal that you are interested in developing and strengthening your social circle.