Motherhood can bring amazing rewards, as any mother will tell you. However, it can bring a good measure of stress, leaving many moms exhausted and even at an increased risk of depression. That’s why self-care for mothers is especially important. And although mothers often think of the need for their children to have healthy social lives, one of the greatest resources a mom has is social support. Because of this, friends and other mothers can be a valuable resource.
Social Support
Social support is important for health and stress relief; it increases resilience, multiplies joy, and softens sorrow.
Sharing Advice
Nobody understands the issues moms face every day like another mother who’s been through the same thing! While all mothers don’t experience all challenges, or experience them in the same way, the wisdom of having been there and the benefit of another mother’s answers can provide terrific solutions and provide reassurance. Moms of younger kids can benefit from the experience of more veteran mothers, and can gain confidence by helping out the more junior moms.
Getting Out There
Sometimes mothers can become so immersed in caretaking that they forget to do the things they enjoy. Other moms can help a mother get out there and enjoy what they enjoy doing!
Get Together for Play Dates
Meeting for play dates with other mothers and their children can provide positive social interaction for the kids and a nice dose of female bonding for the moms.
Have a Moms Night Out
While it’s fun to get together with the kids, getting together with mother friends one night a month or so can provide a whole different experience. Over a few drinks, the most interesting topics of conversation can arise:
Maintain Variety
Another great benefit of motherhood is that it connects women who would otherwise have little in common, or not even cross paths. Women can really benefit by connecting with other moms who are years younger or older, from a different background, or otherwise different from the friends she would usually seek out.
Help One Another
Moms can even give one another some needed nights out by forming a babysitting co-op. They can help make difficult times easier by bringing dinners to new moms or offering aid in times of crisis. These activities build a sense of community and set a good example for kids, and everyone benefits!
