Motherhood. It's wonderful, it's messy, it's all encompassing, it's fulfilling, and it's exhausting. Being a mom is the best and hardest thing I've ever done. My saving grace? My mom friends and why every mom needs a tribe!
Thank you to The Motherhood and Covey App for sponsoring this post.
Motherhood is Totally Uncontrollable
I thought I was totally prepared for parenthood. I mean, if I can manage a classroom full of ornery elementary school students….I could manage one little baby. RIGHT? Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. In fact, I couldn't have been more wrong. I attended baby care classes. We read five books. We watched baby care videos. And what actually helped? Phone a friend. One of my good friends and I were pregnant together and had our babies just four days apart. So, in those early weeks……my saving grace? Those middle of the night texts that started with “Please tell me _________ is happening in your house too!” In those uncontrollable moments from the early days to toddler art all over the walls…….knowing that we aren't the only ones? Makes all the difference.
Motherhood is Fun
Toddlerhood is my favorite stage thus far. Playdates are actually interactive, and we can venture further than a few miles from home. This summer one of my mom friends and I have made it a point to set up play dates once a week, always at a new location. We're exploring new parks and new museums. And honestly? I doubt I'd explore all these places on my own!
Motherhood is Isolating
Let's be honest, at times…..it's rough. I love my daughter, she's amazing…..but there are times when I want to talk to an adult. Those playdates with a friend (and a coffee), fuel my soul. I leave feeling refreshed, supported, and a part of a community.
So let's talk about finding your tribe. A generation or two ago, I envision moms connecting at playgrounds or over backyard fences. But in this day and age? Finding moms that you relate to can be a little bit tougher.
One of my favorite new find your mom tribe tools just launched here in Los Angeles……..Covey App! Covey connects parents based on interest, location, and kids' ages. How do I know it works? It totally connected me with a mom from Lydia's school I've been meaning to set up a playdate with! In addition, Covey also connects families with local businesses that have been recommended as great resources. 
A few of my favorite local Covey Partners?
/ The Klub Gymnastics / Bini Birth / Wright Mommy & Me / Pasadena Piano Academy / Elaine Barrington, LCSW / Joyful Path Yoga Therapy / Discovery Cube /
So what do you think mamas? Do you have a mom tribe? Looking to expand yours?
Erica Valentin says
July 8, 2016 at 7:52 amLove this post ! I totally agree although i have no mom friends close by …..they are all 45 minutes away from me 🙁
Alicia Owen says
July 9, 2016 at 8:46 pmI totally agree with you! I actually just wrote about this recently too. I’m always looking to expand “my tribe”. We go to meetup group and babywearing group playdates when we can, but I’d still like to make some actual friends. :/
Jennifer Kelly says
July 10, 2016 at 6:51 pmIn all honesty, I would love to find my own mom tribe. I Live in Connecticut I don’t know if there are any aps like Convey, but I sure am going to look now! #familyjoy
Rachel says
July 10, 2016 at 6:53 pmAbsolutely need a mama-tribe! I’m happy to have several mama friends who totally keep me sane!
Charlene Asay says
July 12, 2016 at 1:45 pmWhat a great post. I have a child with special needs and takes a lot of my time. It’s hard to find the time for a tribe. I totally understand the isolation part of motherhood. Thanks for sharing this great post with us at Family Joy Blog Link Up Party!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says
July 12, 2016 at 9:47 pmYou are so right and I’ve been really bad lately about finding time to hang out with my “tribe”. I’m going to make an effort to be better about it from now on! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us at Share The Wealth Sunday!
Karren says
July 13, 2016 at 6:14 amCarly your post is an awesome source for moms, I love your girl pictures, you look like you love being mom to a darling little girl and thank you for sharing on Oh My Heartsie Girls WW this week!
Kendall Patton says
July 14, 2016 at 6:47 amMotherhood really is so so hard and so so cool at the same time! I’m not sure anything else in this world can actually compare to the intricacies and mixed feelings of just about every moment of every day! With our second, I was pregnant with a budding friend and we’ve been able to share some cool motherhood stuff together. Finding a tribe is difficult work, but it is necessary! 🙂
Theresa says
July 15, 2016 at 9:23 amYes, I agree finding a tribe is important. Motherhood is filled with times you need others. The app sounds cool. Wish they had stuff like that when my kids were little. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Shared
Kristan @ Pink Rose Co. says
July 16, 2016 at 6:50 amCarly, I loved this so much! Sadly it took me almost 6 years to realize how important a mom tribe really is. I had connections with people, but I was always too afraid to ask for help (never wanted to bother anyone). I think the lack of vulnerability really affected my ability to bond (and others’ ability to bond with me!) I’m working on it now though and it has been the best thing for me. Great post…pinning and tweeting!
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
July 20, 2016 at 8:06 pmLove this! I have so few mom friends… motherhood can be really isolating. I love your points here. (Gorgeous pictures too).
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
I hope you can stop by tomorrow!
xoxo
Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama says
August 8, 2016 at 10:48 amWhat a cool app! I’d love to try that in Portland. Also, I agree: My mom tribe has seriously saved me countless times, sometimes just by the wonderful opportunity to talk to another adult, and sometimes coming to my rescue when life was falling apart completely. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without my mama village!