Not having friends

[Themrmen]

Hiya, I'm feel sad/guilty that my ds (16 months) has no friends for play dates or to invite to birthday parties etc. I work full time so don't meet other mums at playgroups etc. he goes to a lovely childminder but the other children are 9 months and 3 and he has a lovely time but I don't know how to meet other parents. None of my friends have children yet except one but he is much older. Any ideas? On weekends we go to the park or softplay but people tend to go as couples or with friends already. I feel like he's missing out and I am too.

Are there any weekend play groups you could go to? Also even at the park you could end up striking a conversation with another mum, don't worry, I met one of my friends at a sensory class and another on a bus. Maybe swimmingswimming or classes mming or on the weekend?

Have you tried your Mumsnet Local board? There may be other mums near you in the same boat.

also the library, the bus stop and local shops are places to meet other mum's

The childminder doesn't take him to toddler groups but they go out to soft play everyday or the park etc. weekends tend to be family time for a lot of people but will look at mn local and maybe join a weekend class of some sort

There's loads of local mum/toddler Facebook groups. Loads of people saying 'hi I've got a 16mo anyone want a play date?' Etc etc. just do a search for mums in your town.

If you want to meet people through a weekend class you would be best with one which has it's own venue with a space for people to have a chat afterwards. Our local gymboree is like that and I have found it easier to talk to people there. I have found at other classes people just tend to turn up and go. There isn't really time in the class to chat and people are kicked out pretty pronto so the next class can start. But if you are a real people person you may find it possible to meet people in that sort of set up too.
I wouldn't be put off talking to couples with children at the park. I would be delighted to make a new friend when me and dh take ds to the park.