Four Places to Make Mom Friends in Edmonton

Being new to the city, or shy, without many parent friends can be lonely. Not only for you, but your child. Having friends with children you’re able to create playdates where you’ve got someone to talk to, too – but it can be hard to meet people when you’re new. Here are a few of the suggestions that we’ve come up with to meet new parents in Edmonton.

Start with the Playground 

The local playground’s going to be the best bet to meet parents that live in your neighbourhood. Though I’m often tempted to bring along my phone and read while the kids are playing, it’s easier to meet people (and the time passes quicker) if you’re able to make a friend while you’re there. Look for the parents of kids that your child is getting along with, parents that look approachable and that you’re able to talk to.

If you don’t want to go as far as exchanging numbers there at the playground, mention the next time you’ll be coming back and ask if they would be interested in meeting again so the children can play. The bonus of this one? Parents (and kids) that live close by.

Look in the Classroom

This is an easy one for parents of school aged children. Ask your child if there are any children in the class that they would like to invite to come over and play. Write a note, or slip a business card into your child’s backpack with a note on the back inviting the parent to get in touch with you to arrange a date to play. This is a great way to encourage your kids to invite friends over, and gives you the chance to meet parents too.

Attend a Playgroup

Mostly designed for parents with new infants, or children under six, playgroups are a great way to get into the community and meet other parents. You can chat with parents that live close by and develop a rapport over the multiple groups that are offered, usually at the same time every week. Need to find a playground near you? We’ve got some listed on the Raising Edmonton Calendar.

Moms Groups

If you’re looking online, like Facebook, try searching for the name of your community, to find a local group. Here’s a group that we started for that very reason – to connect local moms.

For an in person group, you can try visiting your local public health center to find moms groups both online, and offline. Usually, if you’re a new mom, there is programming where you can meet other moms in the area through the Public Health Centers, a great resource not only to meet other moms, but take part in sessions that give you a little more information on how to do the whole ‘parenting’ thing.

Through the online groups on Facebook, or Meetup.com or even through a local community group, you can post the ages of your children and ask if there are any other parents in the area that would like to get together for the kids to play, or you to have coffee and speak to another adult.

Still trying to make mom friends? Had success in the past? Let us know what worked for you!