Becoming a new parent doesn’t mean becoming a lonely one. Rhonda shares tips for building connections during one of life’s most demanding seasons.

Parenting young children can feel so lonely. Rhonda shares places parents can go to connect with each other.
1. Visit the local public library. They have free parent-and-child programs and classes, which are great opportunities for getting to know others and sharing experiences.
2. Go to hosted family events. If your child attends an early childhood program, go to the extra stuff. Volunteer in the classroom with other parents. Start to build friendships through your child’s life and activities.
[00:09:46] “Having a tribe to talk about the struggles you’re having, with [people] who are also going through those struggles, is very helpful.”
Rhonda offers three actions to fight loneliness as a parent.
1. Tell one safe person the truth. Avoid speaking in platitudes and let that person know that you don’t need a fix, just someone to listen.
2. Make one small, specific invitation. Offer to go on a walk after Monday morning drop-off or go grocery shopping together on Thursday after nap-time. Rhonda emphasizes that if you get together at your house, it doesn’t have to be clean.
[00:12:15] “Connections can and do happen even in the chaos and the mess.”
3. Build one regular point of connection. Maybe that’s calling a friend every week during your commute or getting dinner with friends once a month. Whatever it is, Rhonda recommends that it become a predictable ritual in your life. Having someone to talk to about your life regularly helps clear the loneliness.
If you know a parent who is feeling alone, reach out and share this episode.

How to Build Your Parent-Tribe

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