Four Resources for the Networked Mom
One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2010 was to get out of the house and MEET people, especially other mothers, who could relate to my daily life as it revolves around motherhood. The resources I found to connect to other mothers is outstanding! Take a look at some of the tools available to connect you with local moms in the online and real world:
CityMommy Central Jersey
CityMommy, a free online community and social networking site, has a local “chapter” for Central New Jersey. Members share photos and videos, as well as contribute to discussion topics, ranging from adoption to zoos. While CityMommy Central Jersey offers virtual support and a sounding board for general parenting topics, it’s a beneficial resource when looking into resources and services on a local level. For example, members have assisted each other in finding locally grown produce, pediatric dentists, and maternity consignment shops.
MOMS Club
MOMS (MOMS Offering Moms Support) is geared towards the stay-at-home-mom (as well as those moms who work part-time). The MOMS’ activities vary from group-to-group. Groups (or chapters) are created specific to geographical location, which makes play dates, Moms Nights Out, and programs relatively easy to attend. For example, in Mercer County there is a MOMS Club of East Windsor/Hightstown, MOMS Club of Lawrenceville-West, and MOMS Club of Robbinsville-East. While many chapters have information posted on the Internet, not all do. On the main MOMS Club site, there is information available about locating a chapter near you.
Meetup
Earlier this year, Laura N. talked about Meetup, an online network of local group gatherings. Laura is SPOT ON about the diversity of groups one can find! For moms in the Mercer County area, alone, there are choices galore. For example, I did a simple search for “moms” with my zip code, and 68 active groups popped up, such as Mercer Moms, Hip Mama Meetup Group, and The Central Jersey Working Mom’s Meetup Group. Groups use the Meetup site for planning face-to-face events, discussing “hot” topics, rating previous meetups, etc.
PrincetonKIDS
This site offers a directory of information and resources for families, but don’t let the name of this site fool you; it’s not just for Princeton. Each week, the site publishes a listing of activities in Mercer and surrounding counties. Some new additions to the site include PrincetonTOTS, a segment of the website geared exclusively toward children ages 0-3, as well as listings of children-friendly activities and resources at popular getaway areas, such as New Hope & Lambertville, the Poconos, the Shore, and New York City. The site isn’t interactive as some of the aforementioned sites, but it offers a great selection of activities to meet other parents.
These four resources have been an integral part in helping me meet other moms. I’m sure there are more out there; what have you used to connect with other parents???
CityMommy Central Jersey
CityMommy, a free online community and social networking site, has a local “chapter” for Central New Jersey. Members share photos and videos, as well as contribute to discussion topics, ranging from adoption to zoos. While CityMommy Central Jersey offers virtual support and a sounding board for general parenting topics, it’s a beneficial resource when looking into resources and services on a local level. For example, members have assisted each other in finding locally grown produce, pediatric dentists, and maternity consignment shops.
MOMS Club
MOMS (MOMS Offering Moms Support) is geared towards the stay-at-home-mom (as well as those moms who work part-time). The MOMS’ activities vary from group-to-group. Groups (or chapters) are created specific to geographical location, which makes play dates, Moms Nights Out, and programs relatively easy to attend. For example, in Mercer County there is a MOMS Club of East Windsor/Hightstown, MOMS Club of Lawrenceville-West, and MOMS Club of Robbinsville-East. While many chapters have information posted on the Internet, not all do. On the main MOMS Club site, there is information available about locating a chapter near you.
Meetup
Earlier this year, Laura N. talked about Meetup, an online network of local group gatherings. Laura is SPOT ON about the diversity of groups one can find! For moms in the Mercer County area, alone, there are choices galore. For example, I did a simple search for “moms” with my zip code, and 68 active groups popped up, such as Mercer Moms, Hip Mama Meetup Group, and The Central Jersey Working Mom’s Meetup Group. Groups use the Meetup site for planning face-to-face events, discussing “hot” topics, rating previous meetups, etc.
PrincetonKIDS
This site offers a directory of information and resources for families, but don’t let the name of this site fool you; it’s not just for Princeton. Each week, the site publishes a listing of activities in Mercer and surrounding counties. Some new additions to the site include PrincetonTOTS, a segment of the website geared exclusively toward children ages 0-3, as well as listings of children-friendly activities and resources at popular getaway areas, such as New Hope & Lambertville, the Poconos, the Shore, and New York City. The site isn’t interactive as some of the aforementioned sites, but it offers a great selection of activities to meet other parents.
These four resources have been an integral part in helping me meet other moms. I’m sure there are more out there; what have you used to connect with other parents???
- Anna, Hopewell Branch
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