Five Friends Every Mommy Needs Because friends are what keep mothers sane.

By Olivia Yao, Three Moons | Yahoo! SHE 


Have you noticed that ever since you became a mommy, almost everything about your life has changed? You’re probably rolling your eyes and saying “Well, duh, of course it has. Does that even have to be pointed out?” But I’m not talking about the obvious changes. I’m talking about the little ones that creep up on you and throw you for a loop because you never expected them to happen! One of those changes is your choice in friends. Because no matter what you say, your total revamp of lifestyle affects who you hang out with and who you turn to.

1. The Mommy Friend whose child is about the age of yours

She’s the friend who understands what you’re going through because she’s living the exact same thing you are. Your conversations range from potty training to overly competitive moms to whether today is a good eating day or not. You share tips, ideas, frustrations, and milestones, and are always ready for a play date or even just a chat over coffee to escape the madness of home. She’s on your speed dial or phone’s list of favorites because when you need to vent about how you’re about to lose your cool, you know she will talk you through it and tell you about the time you helped her calm down when it was her toddler throwing the tantrum.

2. The single or childless girlfriend

Remember how carefree you used to feel before you decided to turn your life over to an overly demanding preschooler? Hanging out with your single girlfriend will show you there is more to life than diapers and baby wipes. At first, you may envy her lifestyle and long for the days when you could just fly off to Boracay at a moment’s notice, but eventually, you’ll realize that just hanging out with her and hearing about a life totally different from your own can be loads of fun. She not only takes your mind off your nursery-rhyme singing existence but reassures you that there’s more to you than just being a mommy.

3. The friend who has known you forever

She’s probably the one you call your best friend. No matter where your life leads, you know she will be by your side, rooting for you, telling you like it is, and reminding you how it was. She’s the friend who knows you in and out and sometimes even better than you know yourself. She knew you even before you became a mom and will remind you that you have goals for yourself as well, not just your current goal of getting your toddler into the best preschool possible. She is the friend you turn to when you need someone to give you the perspective you need because she’s been there through every phase of your life—and will continue to be long after your kids move out and start having babies of their own.

4. The shopping or travel buddy

This is the friend who is always bugging you to get away and take a break, and is willing to go on that break with you. She will take you shopping (and not for baby clothes or groceries, please!), to the salon, or on a mini break to the beach. She will also badger you to go on a vacation with your family. She’ll bring her kids and you’ll bring yours, and you’ll remember that getting away—even if it causes even more madness—is always fun and creates wonderful memories you’ll be talking about for years.

5. Your mom

Yes, you read that right. Never have I appreciated my mother more than when I became a mom myself. The overpowering love I feel for my daughter made me realize that my mom probably feels that way for me too—something I never fully understood before. Plus, your mom is the best person to turn to when you don’t understand what’s going on with your body, your child, or your marriage. She most probably went through all of that and survived. Even when it comes to small things like what to give your child’s preschool classmates, she’s the person to call. Never before has your connection been stronger, and never before have you appreciated her so much.

Who are your top five friends?
Olivia has been writing ever since she can remember. She has written for health, teen, parenting, and children's magazines. Her latest endeavor is being a mom to her three-year-old daughter—her toughest assignment yet. Swap stories with her at threeolivias@yahoo.com.


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