How to build a solid network of friends…

[Coffeegirl75]

I’ve been trying to do this over the last couple of years. Been single parent for two years now. My kids don’t have loads of friends, eldest in Reception class, youngest just turned two. I’ve joined the single parents app, mums apps etc… but I don’t seem to be getting anywhere 😔

I just would like a few single parent friends, for coffee, days out and hopefully over time holidays with the kids.

It just feels like hard work sometimes. Sorry just feel like a moan on Sunday night.

It’s hard, everyone seems to be focused on their own bubble.
my son has been at nursery 16months and i’m only just getting smiles back from other parents!
I work full time so it’s hard to do this but do you go to any toddler groups in the nearby area with your youngest? Can meet other parents there?
be brave and suggest play dates?

Everyone always says school but I’ve not managed to make any friends at the school gate! I just think sometimes you just don’t connect with people, it’s hard making friends as an adult, haven’t tried apps personally as they are not for me so can’t comment on them

Unfortunately I have found to make new friends, it's usually you that needs to make the effort and instigate things. I've only found acquaintances from DC's school parents, not friends and not likely to keep in touch in the long term.

What about making a Group on social media or meet up, etc, applicable to your situation/hobbies/area. That is what I did and now I meet with several local people from the group for coffee, occasional nights out, days out with DC's etc. Not sure I would call them really good friends as of yet, but it's nice to catch up, talk and have some laughs on a regular basis, with parents at a similar stage of life.

It can be hard work at first, especially if you're not extrovert, but it's worth putting yourself out to do these kind of things and take the lead, as most people are happy to sit back and not organise things, leaving it to others to do.

It's so hard to make friends as an adult. Everyone else already seems to have their own little circle of friends. I've tried the apps too but no one seems to want to actually go on playdates or even chat. I wish there was a way to find the other "loners" near by 😂

It’s not just me then, yep, it is hard work making friendships as adults and as a single parent it feels a little lonely at times. Especially when I take the kids on a day out, it would be nice to have another adult with little ones.

I think I will try local toddler groups again but from what I remember the first time round the groups near me were very cliquey,

Oh well, such is life. I will just carry on enjoying life with my kiddies. 😊

Do you actually do the asking? Make it appealing? Oh I have some Tesco vouchers and it gives us 50% off X local farm
I know Johnny would love to spend the day with your timmy and I reckon it would be a laugh. What's the best day in the holiday for you?

Hi @hashtagjubilee , I do initiate conversations and meet ups. It’s just all very slow tbh.

I’m not going to spend too much time worrying over it as I want to be out and about enjoying time with my children, it would have been nice for the company that’s all for me and them.

😀