Where and how do you make friends as a single parent? I assume that during the summer, taking you child to the park or the pool would be an easy way, but how do you find a new social group. I feel like there is nobody there for me when I just need to talk, or want to go for a drive, or just plain hang out. I have friends, but being that they don't have children, it makes it hard finding common interests in what to do. What kind of social groups, if any, are out there for single parents? How do I find out about them?

I joined our local Parents Without Partners group, here in Colorado Springs when the new chapter was formed, and I cannot tell you how many new friends I have met who are in the same situation (single parent) as I am!

Contrary to belief that it is an "older set" that could not be further from the truth; we have a range of ages from around 20 - to the oldest (which I think may be me!), in their 40's!

The great part is that we have a variety of events and get togethers, mainly with the kids, but also for adults only, which we "pool" our resources so that we have babysitting available with the older teens in the group!

The national site to view and see if there is a chapter in your area, is:

Parents Without Partners

If you need more information, feel free to contact me!

Stephanie Anne

Stephanie, thanks for the link. I know it will help me a lot.

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NO clue. I have a friend who is in texas and she LOVES her parents without partners group- it's a very active one. but I haven't looked into that myself. I may once I move and try to get settled in.

Heh...well...I did try the local (Minuteman I think?) chapter in Mass and it *was* mostly older parents. At the first meeting, the average age was well over 40. At the events, it was still in the 30s. I was in my late 20s when I tried going. I'm older now, however, so maybe I should try again. I don't really need more friends like I used to though...

There's a pretty big difference between people my age, and people a few years older, however. My sisters are 3 and 6 years older than me, but their likes/dislikes/lifestyle/etc are so 80s where mine is so 90s. Dunno...maybe that's why the media gives names to Generations...

still trying to figure that one out...

i've found an online forum of mom's in the carolina's and met some really great people there (but it may be harder being a guy... and these forums seem to be mainly married).

but another idea is church! i myself am not christian and have never been a church goer, but i've found the unitarian universalists to be a great group - with them it isn't about religion, but tolerance, morals, love... things of that nature. although i must warn that it is predominately democratic/liberal and can be tough for some conservative republicans (however they aren't shunned or anything).


A big problem i have is keeping the situation clear. I have a friend (male) who is getting a divorce and has two kids. We've hung out a few times and it is really nice just to have someone to watch a movie with, however i fear that filling that lonely spot may be confused for something else with us and the last thing i want right now

Good Luck!

hi

Hi Trey's Daddy...
What a great question... and members have posted some great ideas. I would like to share with you my perspective on this since I once questioned it myself and here is what I came up with. We are single parents yes....why do we tend to label ourselves as "single parent"...let me explain. We are just as good as any one else if not better so don't narrow your search to that geared for single parenting social groups. When you enroll in fitness centers or group activities with your child, you will eventually meet parents whom you may or may not become friends with. Some may turn out to be acquaintances and others may turn out to be friends. Single parenting is not a syndrome, so if you broaden your search for friends who have children, you will be amazed how many single parents you will then find. Because single parenting groups are limited in most communities (growing online such as this one), single parents actually mingle where other parents mingle, thus is where you will find what your looking for. Yes you will find some at single parents groups which I recommend you get involved with, but don't narrow your search to just that. Join clubs you would normally join, sports you would normally sign up for etc... Hope this helps...
Miranda ...singleparent-youthcoach@hotmail.com

Boy, do I know how you are feeling. I'm actually considering starting my own local support group for single parents. Somebody has to and if that is what I'm looking for it may as well be me.

http://www.myspace.com/sunuvwil

Hey Rwe1dad

I think that is a fantastic idea. I am starting a success group for single parents...want to get together to share some ideas??? WOuld love to get a male perspective on things. I tend however to forget where I leave my posts and in what forum so if you get this message contact me at singleparent-youthcoach@hotmail.com it is my msn addy.

Miranda