For over ten years, I’ve been signing up my kids for fun activities. In the beginning, I was included. Mommy and Me Yoga? We’re in! Mommy and Me story time? Sign us up! Mommy and Me arts and crafts? Sounds great!
And it was great! I made some of my best and long-lasting friendships from these groups. Our babies were exposed to activities and other kids, and just as importantly, the moms got out and made new friends.
But eventually, the moms were phased out of the activities. We signed up our kids for gymnastics or soccer or story time and then sat it out on the sidelines. Our kids met new friends, but the moms watched through the window. Sometimes we chatted, but more often, we caught up on emails or chased younger siblings around.
Then as our kids got older, we didn’t even stay to watch. We dropped off our kids and picked them up an hour or so later as we ran off to catch up on errands or bring siblings to their activities.
As I signed up my kids for piano lessons, soccer practice, and dance class, I realized I hadn’t signed up myself for anything in forever! Who said activities were just for kids? I missed doing new things and meeting other women.
Finally, this year I started signing up for activities on my own. I found yoga through our town’s park and rec and enjoyed peaceful early mornings doing yoga on the beach. I heard a mom friend talk about how she started tennis lessons and asked if I could join. Now I’m in a group text with other moms learning for the first time, and we try to meet up and play whenever it works for our schedules. I’ve also rekindled my passion for reading by joining a book club.
Group activities are not just for kids. Life is busy, and budgets can be tight, but I’ve found a few different ways to meet new friends and fill my desires for exercise and creativity.
Next time you sign up your kids for an activity, ask yourself if you want to sign up for something too! You can look for activities at your local library or parks and rec or even start your own group. Plenty of other women are looking to stay active and be involved. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new.
