In Washington, we are fortunate to have access to a phenomenal parenting support organization called PEPS. It matches up families by babies age and neighborhood and the first 12 weekly meetings are facilitated by a volunteer. After that you’re on your own.
I have read many articles about the isolation of our modern lifestyle and know from my time moving every few years that making good friends can be a real challenge. Another great article I read, but sadly can’t find again, presented a recipe for friendship, pointing out why it is often hard to make new friends in adulthood. PEPS follows this recipe perfectly. It offers:
- Common interests: Babies are a big deal and we have lots to talk about. We also joined a moms and dad’s group, meaning the other people in our group are also very interested in equal co-parenting and moms continuing their careers.
- Proximity: I love traveling such a short distance to get together and we get great ideas and recommendations for nearby activities and restaurants.
- Repeatability: One of the things I miss about school is seeing the same people so regularly and work friends are nice, but I do the motivation for some separation between work and my social life.
- Vulnerability: Parenting is rewarding and challenging. Talking about it at a deeper than superficial level gives an excellent chance to get to know other people.
Obviously, no one should go out and have a baby in order to make friends, but I highly recommend that anyone who is having a baby find a way to join a group like this.
Here are two pictures of our babies from a few months ago:
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