New Moms and Where to Find Them in Tacoma
/Motherhood. It’s without a doubt, the biggest, most life-changing thing that’s ever happened to me. Your world completely goes upside. You try to prepare for it, and you hear all the advice and stories from others, but there really isn’t any way to know what it’s like until you actually experience it for yourself.
I was working in the corporate world, commuting on a bus, going out to dinner on Saturday nights, staying up on Netflix binges. Then, boom: we had a baby. I decided to be a stay-at-home mom, and life hasn’t been the same since. Honestly, it was such a challenging transition in my life. There were smiles, for sure, but there were definitely tears. The thing that helped me the most was talking to other moms and making friends.
As a new mom, it’s hard to know where to turn to meet other moms and make friends. I get shy and uncertain in new environments where I don’t know anyone. I get nervous texting and calling people. I often re-think every word I say to every person. So how did I do it, you ask, here’s some ways!
Yoga (Source Yoga)
Baby and Me yoga classes are great. This is great for first-time moms, as you don’t have older kids to manage. Ha! I meet one of my best mom friends at Source Yoga Baby and Me and our sons are still friends (and our younger sons are friends, too).
Kindermusik
I tried this with my older son and I was intimated and embarrassed by his running round and lack of following the program. I probably should have stuck with it because he’d probably pick up on it eventually and the teachers were so gracious and understanding. I did do Kindermusik with my younger son and loved it. We had several of the teachers, and they were all wonderful.
Tacoma Public Library
There are baby story times, family story times, craft time, and more. I met several people at the baby story times at the Wheelock Library. Each library has events at different times, so check out their site. The children’s area are usually great for a rainy day as well—full of games and books! The Puyallup library is great as well.
MOPS
The acronym stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers”…MOPS! I just participated in MOPS for the first time last year (2022-23). I’m so glad I got involved as it really is a special place for moms. It is a huge organization with a bunch of different groups even within Tacoma there are multiple MOPS groups. Find one near you. I went to the First Presbyterian MOPS group because this is where my sons’ attend preschool and I love the community. Oh, and so you’re not taken by surprise, it is a Christian organization so the groups usually have a partnership with a local church and the meetings are Christian-based.
Children’s Museum of Tacoma
My kids loved going to the Children’s Museum and the only folks that go there are caretakers of young kids, so you’re bound to meet someone. The hours are a bit funky, so be sure to check the website before going. My favorite opening line is something like, “oh my son does that, too!”
If you’re military, then there is a JBL museum that’s just for you!
Play to Learn
Greentrike is the nonprofit that provides our community the Children’s museum as well as other great programs like Play to Learn. Play to Learn is a weekly program at locations throughout Pierce County - different times and days for different locations. It’s great for kids six years and under. The program session is about one to one and half hours long and is full of open play time with stations offering different crafts and toys. Then a circle time with songs and dance, and finishing with bubbles and often the big parachute! The caretakers get to play with their kids and meet other caretakers and kids. It’s also free!
Pod Family (Co-Lab & Pod Works)
I haven’t personally been too involved here, but I can just tell that it’s a great place for new moms. It’s especially great for new moms that work remotely or have their own business and would like some co-working space. They also host great community events, so be sure to check out their Instagram and website.
YMCA
When my older son was just a baby, I was spending lots of time at the YMCA. We went to the Morgan Family YMCA. We took swimming, gymnastics, and did the open toddler time. We were there at least twice a week, if not more. We are still friends with a dad and son we meet in swim class when my oldest son was only about 16 months old. I also am still friends with people I meet during the open toddler play time.
We were always nervously laughing at how the open toddler time was a petri dish for viruses and then covid came and the gym closed. I believe it’s now open and probably cleaner than before. Bring some wipes, though.
Channing Baby
Not only is this the sweetest baby store, you can tell Krystal and her team really care for the families that shop at the store. It’s downtown and has great baby stuff, but also has events for families. For instance, they are having a preparing for postpartum event in a few weeks. I’ve seen stroll walk events as well. I didn’t get to do these with my boys, but I can tell they have a love for the community!
Curious Bear
This is my favorite toy store in the area. The staff and owners are amazing people and really care about you. They offer a weekly story time with snacks. It’s a great time to quietly chat with another mom when your kid is listening to a fun book (hopefully listening!). Otherwise, just talk while the kids play with the trains afterwards.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
If there is one membership you sign up for, it’s the zoo! It’s my go-to friend meet-up spot or just a safe way to get some wiggles out. Who doesn’t love a walk while seeing some animals? You might not have an organized event, but I know for a fact almost all moms gravitate here at some point or other. Not sure what to do with someone you might have just meet…suggest the zoo!
Playgrounds
I was driving with my older son not long ago and he started to ask where he meet some of his friends. And 90% was me saying, “well, we were at the play ground and you started playing with him. I talked to his mom, we connected, and started meeting up for playdates.” Don’t be afraid to talk to other parents at the playground. Grab their number and try to setup the next meet-up sooner rather than later to keep the ball rolling. I’ve made a few friends this way!
As kids get older, more places become available like sports and school. We’ve made so many friends through my son’s preschool and also now my older one’s elementary school. Just keep an open mind and keep smiling and you never know who you’ll meet. Where have you found some good friends as a mom (or parent)?
