How do you Make Mom Friends?

Friendships in your 40's can feel like having people in your corner, a village of support and connections at important intersections in our lives. But, how do you make friends at this stage of the game? The 6 of us share where we've found our closest connections, how we foster these relationships and just what they mean to us. From the soccer sidelines, to networking events, a faith group and the gym- mom friends are everywhere. As Ashley put it, "Making mom friends now is less about small talk and more about finding people who are in the thick of it with you. Show up, be real, and the right people stick." Hear how we each found our people...

Kim, Home Connoisseur from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

Mom friends are amazing and I feel so much camaraderie from having an incredible "village." Finding this village starts with conversations. I genuinely love to talk to people. I love to hear about people's lives, about their families, hobbies, you name it - I'm interested. And, as my kids say - I'm a talker. From these conversations, it is fun to find things in common and things about each other that are uniquely compelling. I love to hear people's stories and am always curious to hear what brought them to where our paths crossed.

Then, I find that it is about connecting on something you share that makes a fun friendship. I have friends that I connect with about running - we always chat about the next race, training challenges, shoes - super cool runner stuff. Or, friends that have kids at similar ages - we spend a heck of a lot of time on the soccer sidelines or at a swim meet and these are natural friendships. Within those friendships, there is always something fun to learn. I will always remember chatting with a friend at a soccer tournament and learning that she took a year and traveled around the entire world - her stories are amazing. Sometimes what you have in common is just an energy. I love when friendships just click. And, let's remember what the girl scouts sing - "Make new friends, but keep the old - one is silver and the other is gold." Time with old friends is soul filling - and they also are amazing connectors to new friends.

Jen, Bespoke Travel Designer from @GlobalonDemandTravel

Making friends in your 40's can feel tricky—especially as an introvert. Life is full with work, kids, and

responsibilities, and there aren’t many built-in opportunities to connect. But for me, the soccer field has become an unexpected place for friendship. Standing on the sidelines with the same group of parents each week, sharing stories, laughs, and sideline snacks, has turned casual chats into real connections.

I’m not someone who seeks out big social scenes, but there’s something easy about bonding over our kids’ games, carpool logistics, and weekend tournaments. We cheer together, commiserate over long drives and bad calls, and celebrate team wins like they’re our own. These friendships weren’t forced—they came from showing up, being present, and finding common ground in the everyday moments.

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

Making new friends doesn't have to require us to step too far out of our comfort zone. It does require some bravery to start a conversation with someone new. It’s (unfortunately) like dating.

As a leadership coach, I spend a lot of time helping my clients build better professional relationships. The formula for personal relationships is only slightly different, and it starts with a bit of preparation.

You meet people all the time, but do you have a plan to make a connection with them? You meet a mom at the swim meet who seems cool, maybe it’s at a networking event for work, or just meeting the friend of a friend at a BBQ. Then what? It’s best to be authentic and say what you're thinking: offer a genuine compliment, say “I like your energy”, or ask about their kids. If you're an introvert and these interactions can be challenging, I suggest having a few canned introductory questions to help you feel more confident.

Next, how will you follow up? Ask for their phone number (again, like dating) or connect on IG or Facebook. Yes, this can all feel awkward, but it feels a lot less awkward when you've thought about it in advance.

I've made two new friends in the past few months who have quickly become strong relationships. One of them is April (pictured above). She and I met at a networking event, and we clicked instantly. On that day, we made plans to follow up on Zoom (she lives an hour away) to chat more. After that, we planned to meet for lunch, and then scheduled a field trip to The Art Institute of Chicago (she is an artist!). Doesn't this sound like dating? She is such an awesome person, and our conversations never stop!

I had no idea I'd meet April that day, but I'm so glad I didn't let the opportunity to connect pass me by!

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

Oof, it’s not always easy, is it? Honestly, at this point in my life, most of my mom friendships have formed naturally through my kids - especially my oldest daughter. She’s played hockey for years, and we’ve been lucky that her closest friends have some pretty amazing moms. We spend so much time together at games, tournaments, and practices that real friendships have formed. We’ve kind of grown up together through our girls' seasons.

Another big place I’ve found connection? My CrossFit gym. I spend a lot of time there, and it’s become a second home of sorts. The women — the “muscle mommies” as we joke — are all in similar stages of life, and it’s such a gift to be surrounded by people who just get it. We lift, we vent, we support each other — inside and outside the gym.

There was definitely a time when it felt lonelier — when my kids were babies and I was more isolated. But I leaned into family during those years and was grateful to have them nearby.

Making mom friends now is less about small talk and more about finding people who are in the thick of it with you. Show up, be real, and the right people stick.

Ali, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

Making friends at any age can be difficult but I feel like I have made some of the best mom friends through my kids. You will always have those friends from your younger years, but mom friends are a must at this age. I mean how else can we survive these crazy busy years without them!

The closest mom friends I have made at this age has been through the connections I’ve made at my kids activities. Starting with when my kids were in preschool, soccer, dance, and the other one millions things they participate in through the year.

From those connections I feel like I found friends they I had a lot of similar interest with, or friends that introduced me to new interest that added to the friendship. Mom friends at this age are a must though! Who else is going to help you manage the overlapping schedules, knowing where to get the best deals on required equipment, and of course who will also enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day!

Emilee, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

I feel at an advantage at this age with making friends because so many of my current friendships are a result of my kids. My three young kids are in sports and extra activities that have me interacting with other parents all the time. Additionally, I have been blessed with an amazing neighborhood and community of supportive and kind people.

I think it is important to truly identify who you are as a person and find friendships that support that. Personally, my faith is my number one priority. I have belonged to a women in faith group for the last 7 years. I lean on these women for support, faith, and all aspects of life. It is a safe place to be myself and I am so thankful for those friendships.

Friendship is truly a gift, especially in motherhood where we are learning new sides to ourselves and navigating the unknown.

Pin this post for later: Do you make a mom friends?