Recently, I made a lot of new friends. Almost overnight, I found myself surrounded by some of the kindest people I’ve met in a long time.
Moving so far away has been hard. But the hardest part wasn’t just the distance—it was leaving my family… my village. Watching my kids spend time with their grandparents through FaceTime and then look at them like strangers when we visit—it hurts in a way I didn’t expect.
Making friends as a mom is hard. I’m 24, and I’m not looking for “fun” friends—not that my new friends aren’t fun. But I’m looking for something different now. I’m looking for people who are inviting, who welcome not just me but my kids too, and who understand this season of life.
Because I needed a village… but so did my kids.
They deserve people who love them, who show up for them, just like every other kid does.
I recently started going to a new church, and that’s where I met them—a small group of women, married, engaged, single… all in different stages of life, but somehow they saw me and welcomed me with open arms. Not just me, but my kids too.
Now, just a few weeks later, my babies have all of these “aunts and uncles.” People who are genuinely excited to have them around, to include them, to be part of their lives.
They’re kind. They’re patient. They’re the kind of people I didn’t even realize I needed until now.
It’s in the little things.
Holding my son so I can eat in peace for a few minutes.
Playing Nemo on their phone because it’s my daughter’s favorite movie.
Being excited to have us there and helping however they can.
That’s a village.
One thing that really stuck with me was something one of them said at church:
“Hey, I bought some toys for Lovina for our house so when she’s here, she has things to play with.”
Something so simple. But so meaningful.
Because what I heard was:
“I like your kids so much that I’m willing to welcome the mess—the toys, the noise—because I want her to feel comfortable here.”
They’re newlyweds, in their 20s, not even planning on having kids yet… and still, they made space for mine.
Not many people our age think about things like that.
Making friends as a mom isn’t about finding people to go out with anymore. It’s about finding people who welcome your kids at any table you’re sitting at.
It’s about that feeling when you know your kids are invited—and you don’t have to ask.
It’s about finding people who understand that your kids are an extension of you… and loving them just the same 🤍
Mothers Hearth 