Why joining a mom group may be the mental health boost you need
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Motherhood is hard, but having a strong community can make it a bit easier. Explore the mental health benefits of mom groups, and how you can join one (or start your own).
Sometimes being a mom kind of feels like being strapped to one of those rickety and gravity-defying rollercoaster rides where you’re holding on for dear life, and praying that you won't suddenly be flung into the abyss. It’s beautiful, absolutely exhausting, and, a lot of the time, incredibly lonely.
Sure, you might be surrounded by your kids 24/7, but that doesn’t mean you’re not also craving real connections and talks that don’t revolve around snacks and tantrums. It’s important to remember that motherhood was never meant to be a solo activity. Yet somewhere along the way, it feels like that’s what it’s become, and the village that people so often talk about has seemingly vanished.
Now, so many moms are trying to do it all and silently struggling, thinking they’re the only ones barely holding it together. This is where mom groups come in. Joining a group like this can help you feel less alone, being around the ones who get it. The ones who see your unwashed hair and say, “Same, girl.” They can help you laugh at the chaos and give you a safe space to be your full and exhausted self.
If you’re jonesing for a support system that understands just how much of your life revolves around wiping tiny butts and functioning on minimal sleep, maybe a mom group is the thing for you. Here’s all you need to know about these groups, how to join one, and how it can boost your mental health.
What is a mom group?
At its core, a mom group is a group of moms coming together to connect, support each other, and maybe even have an uninterrupted conversation. It can really be whatever you need it to be.
For some moms, it’s a lifeline and a safe space to vent, laugh, cry, and just be real about how unbelievably hard motherhood can be at times. For others, it’s a social outlet and a way to break up the endless cycle of naps, snacks, and negotiating with small and unreasonable children. It could also just be a reason to leave the house and remember that you exist outside of your role as “mom.”
These groups come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s no one right way to do it. Some are super casual, where moms meet up at the park and let the kids burn off energy while they chat. Others are more structured, with planned activities, guest speakers, or even book clubs.
If you’re interested, here are some types of mom groups you could join:
Playdate-based groups
Support-focused groups
Activity-based groups
Online mom groups
Working mom groups
8 mental health benefits of a mom group
Motherhood can be relentless. So often, it’s waking up to tiny humans demanding breakfast before your eyes have even peeped open and adjusted to the daylight. Plus, it’s very normal to find yourself carrying the mental load of an entire household while also having barely enough time to use the bathroom.
Mom groups can help you survive this constant feeling of being pulled in a million different directions and be a total mental health game-changer. Here are eight reasons why:
1. They reduce loneliness: Motherhood can be pretty isolating, especially in the early years. But having a group of moms to connect with, even if it’s just a group text of people who get it, can help make you feel less alone.
2. They provide emotional support: Mom groups can offer a safe space to share your struggles and frustrations and get advice without judgment. Sometimes, you might just need someone to say, “Yep, my kid also refuses to wear pants. Right there with you.”
3. They lower stress and anxiety: Studies show that connections can help reduce your stress and lower your risk of anxiety and depression. A supportive mom group can almost be like a mini therapy session.
4. They create a sense of community: A lot of times, modern motherhood feels like a solo mission, but it’s meant to be a shared experience. This type of group helps to bring back that “village” feeling where you can rely on others and also return the favor.
5. They encourage self-care: Mom groups often prioritize things like a moms’ night out, a morning walk, or just an excuse to drink a beverage while it’s still hot. Having a support system like this can help you remember to make self-care actually happen.
6. They help with mom guilt: Being around moms who get it, can help quiet the nagging voice that constantly tells you to feel guilty about something. They can help remind you that you’re doing great, your kid’s okay, and you deserve grace.
7. They create real friendships: Motherhood can often reshape your friendships, and a mom group can help connect you with people who get the season of life you’re in. And while at first, you might bond over diapers and sleepless nights, many times, these friendships can last well beyond the baby years.
8. They make motherhood more fun: Sometimes,parenting can feel like one long to-do list of appointments, laundry, and meal planning. Joining a mom group can help inject some fun back into your life and get you to remember to laugh at the ridiculous things your kids say and swap survival hacks.
How to find a mom group: 7 tips to connect with other moms
Other moms just get it, and sometimes, maybe all you need to get through the day is sharing a knowing look from a mom who’s in your exact same situation. A mom who also has permanent under-eye circles and crackers stuck to various parts of her clothing.
But finding other moms can be hard, especially when taking care of a child is already a full-time job, and then some. Luckily, there are some ways to find a mom group without adding stress to your day.
Here are nine tips to help you track down your people and start building your much-needed village.
1. Check local community centers and libraries
Your local library, community center, or YMCA can be a goldmine for mom connections. They often have baby-and-me storytimes, toddler playgroups, and parenting workshops. All of these can be perfect opportunities to meet other moms who are also just trying to survive another day of sticky fingers.
Wherever you go, try going at multiple times and/or to multiple events. Don’t give up after one visit. Connection takes time, so aim to keep showing up and making small talk. (Here are 10 ways to make adult friends if connecting as you’ve gotten older has become a little harder for you.)
💙 Explore 5 Steps to Build Stronger Relationships with other moms in your life in this series from Jay Shetty.
2. Search Facebook groups
Facebook can still be one of the best places to find local mom groups. You could search for “Moms of [Your Town]”, “Playgroups in [Your Area]”, or “Working moms in [Your City]”.
Once you’ve added yourself to these groups, introduce yourself and maybe comment on some posts or ask for some recommendations. This can help get the ball rolling, and if you’re feeling bold, maybe even suggest a casual meetup.
3. Download the Peanut app
Peanut is kind of like Tinder for mom friends. On this app, you can match with local moms based on your kids’ ages, shared interests, and how much you rely on caffeine to function.
You can also join group discussions on everything from sleep regressions all the way to why toddlers act like tiny drunk people.
4. Sign up for a class or activity
Consider a mom-and-baby yoga class, stroller walking group, or music class if sitting around and making small talk isn’t your vibe. Usually, the best friendships form when you’re doing something together, and structured activities can help take a lot of the pressure off.
5. Hit up playgrounds and indoor play areas
If you see another mom on the playground or indoor play area wrangling her kid while chugging an energy drink, she’s probably on the lookout for mom friends too.
It might feel weird to go up and talk to another mom but try to be brave and start a conversation. You could compliment her kid’s rain boots or commiserate over how neither of you has sat down all day. (If starting conversations feels hard, here are eight tips to help.)
💙 Learn a formula to build new relationships in the Deeper Communication session of the Daily Jay.
6. Ask your pediatrician’s office
A good amount of pediatricians have new mom support groups or bulletin boards with local meetups. Plus, the office waiting room is usually full of moms in the exact same stage of life as you.
Instead of scrolling through your phone, consider talking to a mom near you. Chances are, she’s just as sleep-deprived and craving adult interaction as you are. (If you don’t know what to say, keep a few of these 100 conversation starters on hand to spark some connection wherever you are.)
7. Join a moms’ group through your workplace
Check to see if your company has a parents’ network if you’re a working mom. A lot of workplaces are starting to offer moms’ meetups, Slack groups, and even pumping room chats.
You could also consider starting a group chat for the other moms at work if none are currently being offered — and you have the energy. Sometimes, just knowing that someone else gets the chaos of balancing meetings and daycare pickups can be enough to get you through the next hour.
Mom group FAQs
What are the benefits of being in a mom group?
Being in a mom group is sort of like having a built-in support system for one of the hardest jobs in the world. Motherhood can be isolating and lonely, but surrounding yourself with other moms who also just get it can make all the difference.
Mom groups create a space where you can swap stories, vent about whatever tantrum your child just threw, and get reassurance that you’re not a total failure. On a deeper level, these groups can also help reduce stress and lower the risk of postpartum depression because they can help create meaningful connections.
How do I join a mom group?
There are more mom groups out there than you might think. You just have to know where to look. Community centers, libraries, and churches—which often host mom meetups or playgroups—could be a great place to start. Online spaces like Facebook groups, Meetup, and the Peanut app can also be goldmines for finding local moms who are looking to connect.
If structured groups aren’t your thing, maybe consider talking with moms at the playground or at daycare drop-offs. As much as possible, aim to put yourself out there, because, chances are, there are tons of other moms who are also looking for connection just as much as you are.
How can I start a mom group near me?
Starting a mom group doesn’t mean you have to go full PTA president and plan weekly themed events — unless that brings you joy. If that’s the case, have at it! If not, you could just try gathering a few moms for a drink of their choice or organize a standing park playdate.
If you’re not sure who to reach out to, consider reaching out to moms you already know from daycare or school. You can also post in local online groups or parenting forums to see if there’s interest. But, aim to keep it low-pressure. There’s no need to add another stressful thing to your to-do list. Just try to create a space where moms can show up, be themselves, and feel supported. That’s what matters.
What are some activities for a mom’s group?
Activities for a mom group can be whatever you make it. As a general rule, try to make it simple so you don’t add any more to your already full plate. Aim to have the goal be connection and not perfection.
Here are some activities you could do:
Casual coffee meetups: You could drink a latte while it’s still hot.
Walking groups: Getting fresh air and moving can be great for the soul and body.
Moms’ night out: Maybe go out to dinner, do a trivia night, or just sit in a parking lot eating takeout. Whatever gets you excited.
Kid-friendly activities: Storytime at the library or even a rotating “hosted playdate” at different moms’ houses could do the trick if you want to connect but also still need to bring the kids.
Are there groups for dads?
Dad groups absolutely do exist. A lot of communities have “dad and baby” meetups, daddy-and-me fitness classes, and parenting groups that welcome all caregivers.
Some places fathers can find groups and communities are through sports leagues, gaming groups, and even just a casual “dads at the park” situation. If there aren’t any dad groups in your area, it could be a great time for your partner or dad friend to start one. It could be as simple as a weekend lunch meetup or a text group for local dads to trade tips.
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