I first heard about Galentine’s Day from Parks and Recreation, where Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, made it a tradition to celebrate female friendships on February 13th. Honestly, she was onto something—because while motherhood is incredibly rewarding, it can also feel isolating, even when surrounded by family. That’s why I cherish my mom friends. From swapping stories about potty training and breastfeeding to offering words of encouragement, these friendships bring laughter, sanity and much-needed support. Whether we’re venting, celebrating or grabbing coffee, they remind me I’m not alone in the chaos—there’s comfort in knowing other moms are navigating the same struggles and emotions.
The Importance of Having Mom Friends
Motherhood has its own unique set of challenges, and having mom friends has made all the difference. They just get it—the exhaustion, the overstimulation and the overwhelming love we pour into our kids while still craving a little time for ourselves. My mom friends provide a safe space to vent—free from judgment—and remind me that I’m not alone. Time with them helps reduce my stress and anxiety. One of the greatest comforts? Knowing that everyone struggles with #momguilt, whether it’s balancing work and family or using extra screen time just to get through the day.
I love connecting with friends whose kids are the same age as mine, but I also appreciate those with older and younger children—we all learn from each other. We swap parenting tips, like which potty training seat actually works (and which one to avoid). When my youngest struggled with sleep, a friend recommended a sleep training course that totally changed things. And somehow, watching all the kids together is way easier than managing just mine on my own. We even share travel tips, like what NOT to do when taking little ones to Disney for the first time. Mom friends offer emotional support, fresh perspectives and real-life advice. The best ones let you be vulnerable, making motherhood feel a little lighter—and a lot more joyful.
Making Friends as an Adult
As an adult, making new friends can feel intimidating, but sometimes the best connections happen in the most unexpected moments. Many of my mom friends are neighbors, while others I’ve met through birthday parties, at the pool or at my favorite place, the gym. My friend, Julie, and I first crossed paths at daycare pickup. After attending a couple of birthday parties together, we set up a playdate and discovered our shared love for fantasy books. At one point, Julie just asked, “Will you be my friend?”—a simple but brave act I’ll always cherish, because let’s face it, that kind of vulnerability is rare as an adult.
Appreciating Your Mom Friends
When it comes to mom friends, I prioritize quality over quantity. Yes, we do get to enjoy kid-free nights occasionally, but more often than not, our connection happens through Reels, memes and funny quotes on Instagram. There’s something special about opening your DMs at 2 a.m. while breastfeeding and finding a message that makes you laugh. Motherhood is hard, but sharing potty training mishaps and toddler tantrums with friends makes it feel a little less overwhelming—and a lot more fun. So, make sure to let your Galentines know how much you love and appreciate them this month—and if you can all manage to find a babysitter, treat yourselves to a well-deserved, kid-free dinner!
