Hi -
I am looking for a mom's group in the Campbell area. In the past, I have been disillusioned and hesitant to join a mom's group for several reasons: 1) I find the "interview" process that many require you to participate in to be so silly - who are these strangers to "judge" if I am "cool enough" to hang out with them? I was done with the clique-yness , "who is a cool kid and who isn't" in high school a decade ago- lets all act like adults, please. 2) Some mom's groups require such insane "dues" - what happened to just hanging out with the kiddos? Last time I checked, enjoying the company of other mothers was free. I understand occasional dues, but groups such as PAMP seem so exclusional and "only for the rich" as most of us cannot afford $50-$100 a month for mom company3) while I am multi-degreed, former education professional, I am a "young" mother at 27 years old - in the area (and at my child's preschool) the age of your typical mother of small children tends to be 15-25 years older than I am, and I have noticed that my youth (or perceived youth, as I look fairly young for my age) can really make a difference in how I am treated or spoken to by other mothers (some of them with children both MY age and the age of my preschooler). Age is not a big deal to me, but I dislike being excluded from friendships and socialization opportunities just because I LOOK young!
Anyone have any mom's groups they LOVE and can reccommend? I am not interested in starting one myself.
Dear L.,
Check out Las Madres, (http://www.lasmadres.org/) there a play groups all over the bay area, it only cost $35 a year, and you can have a two month trial period just to check it out. so far I've had great luck with the group of women and babies for my girls. They divide the areas up in to what year your child was born so she can "play" with kids her our age. Try it out, I hope its a good fit for you!
Have you looked into Las Madres? They have chapters throughout the South Bay, with groups organized by the birth year of the children. I am in Mountain View and was in the Mid-Peninsula chapter with all three of my children (born in 1990, 1995, and 2000) from about birth to age 5, but I believe they have a Campbell chapter. Groups do many activities together, from park days, to Moms' Nights Out, babysitting coops, and more. I made very good friends and found lots of parenting support in all of these groups, and the moms were a variety of ages, from 20s to 40s. Dues were annual--one set of dues to the local playgroup and one to the general organization. I don't remember exactly what the dues were, but they were not outrageous as I recall. They have a website, I believe it is www.lasmadres.org (or google Las Madres).
Hi L.,
I hope you will check out the MOMS Club of Campbell (www.momsclubofcampbell.org). I am the founder and president of the chapter, and I think it is definitely what you are looking for. We just started up in July and have a nice membership growing! I myself have a two year old and a 6 month old. Due are $30 for the year, which covers supplies, room rental for our meetings and helps support the service projects we do in the community. Our next member meeting & social is November 5th if you would like to join us. We would love to meet you! ____@____.com
J.
I don't know of any groups in Campbell, but some of the moms in the preschool might not be as snobbish as you think, esp. if you approach one with whom you seem to have something in common. It might be as simple as, "I've noticed your daughter playing a lot with mine . How would you like to meet at the park once a week?" Take your child (and dog?) for walks around the neighborhood. You might meet other moms that way. It takes a little work and initiative to establish connections in our busy society, and you may have disappointments, but don't give up. My daughters are 27 and 23, and I am still in touch with the moms and kids that were in playgroups many years ago. It's worth the effort !
Hi Lindsay,
I chair a group called Holistic Moms Network , you can find us online at www.holisticmoms.org. We are $35 per year to join and we have a GREAT community of support. Please come to one of our events as a guest for free and see how you like it! We also have a local chapter website with our events -you can get to it from the National website-we are the San Jose chapter. We'd love to meet you!! You can also contact me directly at ____@____.com with any questions!
Hi L.,
I just joined a group called Awesome Moms of the South Bay (AMSB). I don't have the website address, but you can google it and check it out. I'm a couple of years older than you, but felt the same as you do about other moms groups. This one seems different and my sister who is your age just joined as well. I'm attending my first playdate on Tuesday, so I can let you know how it goes. Everyone seems really nice and it's really low pressure. They don't have an interview process and I haven't had to pay dues yet, but I think when I do they're pretty low. The calendar of events is really diverse and they have been great about sending me emails and keeping me updated on upcoming events. I looked into Las Madres, but haven't checked it out. This one (to me) seemed much better. Just my two cents...
I feel the same way as you! I am also young (26) and have a 3 year old, so I well know that look of disapproving other mothers due to my youthful appearance. I have looked into mommy groups but, like you, just want it to be a simple get together/play date. If you want to meet me at the park some time I would be game! I take my kids (2 yo boy and 3 yo girl) to Campbell park a lot and walk/bike the creek trail often as well. Send me a line if you would like. :)
Check out the MOMS Club of Campbell - www.momsclubofcampbell.org. We are a great group of at-home moms who just want to get together with other moms in the area with our kids. The dues are $30/year and there is no interview process. You just check the group out and if you like what you see, you join! I have been a member for 6 years and it has been one of the most enriching experiences that has truly enhanced my at-home mothering. I can't speak highly enough about the group! Good luck on your search!
