by Michele Blacksberg

Created on: June 21, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

Motherhood is a role of ongoing transition as this part of life is constantly bound to your child's needs and developmental stage. It can be difficult to redefine yourself as a parent, a partner and a friend to those who may not have children themselves. Add an additional component of no longer working or moving to another town and the new role of motherhood can be isolating, stressful and lonely.

Finding new friends can feel a little like "dating" only your child is your counterpart. Coordinating everyone's personalities can be tricky. In the early times of your child's growth, how well the moms get along is most important but as the children grow, if they also don't bond in some way those new mom friendships can become strained, superficial and break up just like those days in high school when friendships were fickle.

At different times of your child's growth, you are more likely to find friends and confidants that meet the needs of the socialization you seek.

*Babyhood

Mothers will likely find friends during this stage at mother baby classes where other women are struggling with lack of sleep, difficulties with nursing and overall feeling rather sluggish in need of losing weight. Many hospitals, churches and YWCAs sponsor these types of classes and they are good places to meet other moms to push strollers with, swap shopping successes and share meals.

*Toddler time:

Gymboree classes: Most playgrounds have little equipment that toddlers can play on without a mom running madly around trying to keep a toddler from harming themselves. Gymboree classes or the like have age selected programs lead by an instructor with age appropriate equipment. This is a good place to find moms with children who "sync" with yours.

Play groups frequently blossom out of these encounters as moms find others they feel able to spend the long hours of the day. These early mom and child friendships often go on to last for years and are the beginning of the group of friends you will feel most connected to in more time.

*Before school age:

Playgrounds are now the prime place to meet other moms as your child can wander about the without the need of your constant attention. Having extra snacks to offer another mom for their child is a great ice breaker. Observing how well your child plays with another is also another way to find a mom to make a play date with where you know the kids will also play nicely together.

Classes in music or art are great for this age and also mean you

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