It’s very powerful to parent alongside others. Whether you are a single mother, married, or have a partner…who makes up your tribe? That group of other women how have your back, understand the messiness and glory of motherhood? Who do feel that deep sense of kinship with? Who are you most grateful for on your mom journey? Who has influenced your mom journey the most, either through their example, advice, or support? Just for fun, if your tribe had a motto and/or mascot, what would it be?

If you’re still looking for your ideal tribe, what would they look like? Value? Make up their motto and mascot. Could you start one? Lead it? Time to manifest your tribe.

Being a parent can feel all-consuming at times—someone always has to be watching your child. It’s easy to take for granted others who parent with us or help us when we need it.

Do you feel like you have a friendship with your spouse or partner outside of just parenting? How do you show that person you value their friendship? What about others who help care for your child? Babysitters? Aunties? Nannies? Do you feel it is important to have a friendship with that person or maintain professional space? Or both? How do you express gratitude for that person who helps watch your child?

Being a “friend” to your child is controversial these days. How do you feel about the subject? Do you believe parents can be friends with their child or do you feel parents should remain in the role of “parent?” Do you feel there is room for both roles?

Looking back at week one, are there any friendship qualities you listed that apply to your parenting style? What are they? Do your answers influence your view on this debate?

We live in a time of constant misinterpretation…mostly via texts. Abbreviated lingo leaves a lot of room for others to fill in the blanks or insert attitude or interpretation. (True story). Texting is relatively “new” in the broad scheme of things…social norms and rules have not been established so that our texts are always understood exactly how we intended them.

How do you feel about texting? Do you ever feel like you misinterpret texts from friends? Does texting ever feel “heavy” to you or stressful? Do you feel comfortable asking for clarification, especially from new mom friends that you might not know well?

How do your kids feel about texting? Do they, too, feel there is a lot of room for misinterpretation? If applicable, start a conversation with them about texting norms, insecurities surrounding texts, and how it can affect friendships. Write about it. What insight did you gain from them?

What factors keep you from making or sustaining friendships? Moving? Lack of time? An introverted personality? Changing into a new season of motherhood? Are there creative ways to get around these hurdles?

Who are your child’s friends? Looking back over week one, what do you believe your children need in their friendships? Is your child a good friend to others? How do you help them be a good friend? Would you describe yourself as hands on or hands off when it comes to their relationships? How well do you know their friends? How do you show an interest in their relationships?

How do you show up for your friends during tough times? Times that are either centered around motherhood (i.e. infertility, miscarriage, death, illness, divorce, etc.) or around non-motherhood issues (loss of job, move, financial trouble, etc.)?

Does offering help or support come easy to you? What is your first instinct when reaching out…Words? Actions? Meals? Babysitting? Giving them space? How was caring for others in times of need modeled for you? What do you feel you are modeling for your children when it comes to helping others during tough times?

If it doesn’t come easy to you, who/what could help you with that? Online resources? Other friends? Have you ever thought about bringing this issue up within your circle of friends outside of a crisis time?

A big part of friendship is being able to be vulnerable in front of others. Vulnerability, by its truthfulness, builds trust and connection with others. How easy is it for you to be vulnerable in front of people you know? What about people you have just met? Can you think of a time when you were vulnerable and it felt like it backfired? What about a time you were vulnerable and it led to relief or understanding? Do you feel like others can be vulnerable in front of you?

A big part of friendship is showing up…in person to moms groups, lunch invites, parties, etc. When you’re invited to functions or play dates, what are your initial reactions? Are you excited to be invited? Nervous? Grateful? Overwhelmed?

Take a look at yourself and do an honest evaluation: are you happy with how much you show up? Are you flakey with plans? Do you feel like others can count on you to show up? When you RSVP “yes,” do you commit? If you’re overwhelmed, how could you make the commitment to invites less stressful?