Hello!

Sorry for the long one. My husband and I have just moved to the Brisbane area and know no one! I have 2 kids, 3 and 10 months and it’s really hard to go out with my youngest who NEEDS a morning and afternoon sleep and won’t sleep if we’re out. This has ruled out a play group since they all seem to start at 9am. I also a bit of an introvert and don’t do small talk well. I’d love to meet some other mum’s but short of the odd conversation at the park I just don’t know where to start! Hubby leaves for work at 6 am and sometimes isn’t home till after 7pm when the kids are in bed. My own company is driving me batty. I’m sure I’m not the only one in this situation, what do other mums do?


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  • I struggled with this for a bit when I was a stay at home mum as I didn’t have many friends with kids. If you have any hobbies you could make friends with others of similar interests.


  • Is there a chat page for your area? I’ve seen a lot of people asking the same thing on my areas chat page and they seemed to get a great response. I think there are also some specific sites like dating site for friendships? Also sometimes the local library have music or story time classes which may be at better times for you..


  • I have friends that I’ve known most of my life. Making new friends when older can be difficult. I’d join a sporting club or hobby group.


  • I enjoy my own company, I’m happier on my own, so making new friends has never been an issue for me


  • I was this once when we lived in Northern Ireland in an isolated community an it was hard. I broke the circle of isolation first by taking the time to chat with people in the local shop. When I saw mums with kids several times, I would stop them to say hi and ask if they like to come over for a cuppa and a play. The same you can do in your street. Take a regular walk and when you';ve seen mums with kids several times, say hi and introduce yourself and invite them over for a cuppa / play. I would also attend playgroups anyway. Your 10months old can do a nap in the pram while you catch up with some other mums with kiddies.


  • Sounds to me you are using baby as an excuse, a cover for you being introverted. If the 10 month old was out being sociable, he probably wouldn’t miss his morning nap. You could put him down when you got home if you had to. It’s not like it happens every morning of the week. There’s not too much more available when your children are so young, maybe visit the local park?


  • Join a club that you’re interested in,cooking photography,books,writing etc.


  • have you tried your local library as they often do activities and story times which is a good way of meeting people with same age kids who live near by. Or a class for the 3 year old such as gym, art, music.. anything which they are interested in. it gets you out the house and don’t forget hopefully it won’t be long before you can drop a sleep for the younger one too.


  • Lots of great advice given here. Good luck.


  • Hope you find some of these ideas useful? Good luck! :)


  • I got in contact with yhes.org.au (based in southport on the GC) because I had the same issue

    They gave me a book with all different activities mums can get involved with and im sure they would be able to direct you to more places in Brisbane.

    They got the contacts.
    ^see what i did there lol.

    Could try calling 13health to see if they could suggest anything – you can be anon. If you want.

    GPs are a good stop, too.

    Maybe facebook and google to connect with people…

    Hope this helps :)


  • As already suggested, maybe take a look at some reputable and reliable facebook pages and make some connections?


  • It will become easier when the 10mth old drops to one sleep, which is usually a lunchtime siesta so morning playgroup would be much more manageable. There area often library reading groups for kids, gyms and yoga classes for mums and bubs, maybe kids sport ie swimming lessons or soccer on the weekends, maybe google some things in your local area, check out the local council website, contact the local baby health centre to see if there is anything they offer – good luck!


  • lol i am waiting for the day that this site introduces a chat area. You see mums comment on here and you find that you have a lot in common with them but it can be frustrating to not be able to reach out and say hi!


  • I personally took my children to playgroups anyway. at 13 months my daughter dropped that morning nap or took it in the car, she then had a afternoon nap for longer, worked out well. I Would Join some mums groups on Facebook and try to do meet ups at parks around naps, or go for walks and start chatting to mums at parks or Libraries. I never knew anyone other than work colleagues 3 years ago, I now have so many friends, been to Gardening playgroups in the afternoon, a craft group and libraries, I have a different mix of friends from one group to the next and it has taken me 3 years and two kids to get out there but now I can walk into any place and start a conversation with anyone and feel confident. 4 years ago I was scared to look at someone in case they spoke to me. push yourself for your Kids they need this Mummy who’s going to show them the world and how to be a sociable human being.


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