Making mum friends

[theleavesfall]

I'm a SAHP. My DD has started at Reception a few days a week.
I only see the other parents at drop off and pick up, briefly..
DD and I are together for the time she's not in reception and she goes to sports one morning, we go to museums, playgrounds, craft activities, cafes for lunch out treat etc.
But I'm lonely and would love to make a mum friend.
I don't have family close by and have been a SAHP since DD was born.
DH works full time so we do family stuff at weekends.

DD talks of friends or ones she's played with in reception but how do I take this further to a play date?
Feel like I don't want to come across as desperate.
Help!

But some of those people at those interest groups will have kids and families too if that’s a dealbreaker.

Do you want a friend for yourself? Or a child for DD to go on play dates with?

School relationships are different. Parents work full time, have caring commitments, busy lives, existing friends they are trying to make time for. They might simply be introverted. There is no guarantee that a school mum who accepts a play date invite/request will want to be your friend.

If you want your DD to have a play date- you’ve had some great suggestions, and hopefully you will bond with the mums. But don’t feel put out if they just want a ‘drop off and run’ or ‘chat on the doorstep’ relationship with you.

If you are lonely, you need to invest in you as the person- not just you as ‘mum’.

I was feeling the same as you but saw an ad for Peanut and thought I’d give it a try. I’ve met several mums now and am starting to make some friends. It’s great 😊

If there isn't a class watsapp then set one up. The PTA will always need volunteers. At our school there is a PTA rep in each year that posts PTA stuff on the watsapp group - that rep therefore knows everyone!
I understand you wanting play dates for your DD - it takes time to turn school mum friends into real friends- I have a couple I meet up with in the evenings without the children, and we don't talk about the children, but common interests.
For playmates for your DD - I'd suggest some activities outside school. I have an only child but she does girl guiding and they arrange lots of trips for them which is great company for her. I made mum friends waiting around at ballet/ swimming lessons too and see the mums without the children.