When I started on the journey to build my life back better in the summer of 2021 I knew it would involve investing in my circle of care as a way to build a strong support network. I also knew that I was not a person of grand gestures or elaborate schemes. I was also no good at becoming fast friends but would grow on (some) people over time.
From this started a path of small gestures and a more community-oriented mindset. I put it into this list and encourage moms to start their own.
What does everything on this list have in common? These gestures are small, easy, and require little time, and many are from the heart.
Build a strong support network of family & friends
- Invite expectant mom friends to join your favorite online mom’s group.
- Have a recurring family movie night on a Friday? Invite your kids’ friends in advance so their parents can go on a date night.
- Get too busy to check in with friends and family? Set a reminder on your phone to text someone you care about while you are waiting for kids to finish their after-school activities.
- Offer to take your friend’s older kids with you to a family activity.
- Buying chicken soup for a sick family member? Buy extra, freeze, and when the need arises deliver to whoever inevitably gets sick next.
- Booking campsites? Consider booking two and inviting others to join.
- Kids outgrew their winter gear? Save some good items for friends. It will always be appreciated.
Build a strong support network of neighbors
- Left with extra Valentine’s Day cards? Leave some on the neighbors’ doorsteps.
- Making an easy kid-friendly dinner? Cook extra and offer some to the family next door.
- Buying some flowers at the market? Turn them into mini arrangements with your kids and deliver them to a neighbor or two before dinner.
- Attending a neighborhood event? Take some photos with neighbors while you’re there. Next time you get some copies made of your own family print those as well. Drop them off any time or hand them out during the holidays.
- Know of a neighbor experiencing food insecurity? Post a list in groceries needed and ask others in your local groups to drop off donations at your house. Collect and drop them off when you’re heading out the door.
On our journey to slow friendships and strong connections we can use many of these small gestures without adding to our mental load.
The best part? Others will start doing the same for us one day as well.
Here is a list of ideas to help grow a support network and build your mom village: