How to Make Friends as a Single Parent

How to Initiate New Friendships

According to researchers at the University of Chicago, the average American has only discussed their most personal concerns with two people during the last six months. Sadly, nearly half of the people questioned in the university's General Social Survey said they have only one other person to confide in, or no one.

This trend is disturbing for all of society; but it is particularly devastating for parents who are working hard to raise their children alone.

How, in such a busy and unconnected world, are we supposed to develop close friendships?

It simply won't happen without taking some risks. Here is a list of great ideas submitted by readers of our Single Parents Newsletter and the Single Parents Forum:

• I have met new friends through work, my neighborhood, and through my interests (horses.) However, I tend to gravitate toward people with kids around my son's age, because it's easier to get together and plan things when you can include the kids.
  ~RAPlacek
  
  
• When my son was little, I joined a free Tots Time program that had a place where he could slide, run and play with other kids. I made a few friends there, and after a while the parents would trade off time so we could run around the mall and do our errands one at a time.
  ~Polardog
  
  
• It's been a lot harder for me with my kids being older. When they were younger we had play dates and birthday parties and I always knew their friends' parents. Recently, my best luck has been with "networking" my friends: getting to know my male friends' girlfriends, and having girlfriends bring their other friends along when we get together.
  ~CollMomOf2
  
  
• In response to your question I'd like to offer a few suggestions of how a single mom can make new friends.
  
  
  1. Join a single mom support group or form one.
  2. Attend a family-friendly church and get involved
  3. Enroll the kids in soccer, basketball, gymnastics, etc. and become the team mom
  4. Hang out at the park with your kids, other moms are likely to be there
  5. Be open and friendly to everyone you meet.
  6. Smile, forget about your problems, and focus on the other person for two seconds
  
  I am a firm believer in showing yourself friendly in order to have friends. These tips and more are found in my book 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood: An Inspirational Guide for Single Moms.
  ~Samantha A. of www.singlemomsrock.net
  
  
  
• It takes time to develop good friendships. When I meet someone I think I could really get along with, I make an effort to try and get to know them better.
  ~J.D.