Finding new friends as a mom is hard! Thankfully, the Chesapeake area has several mom groups that have popped up in recent years to help with this problem. From play dates at the park to mom-friendly workout groups, the right group of mom friends in Chesapeake is out there just waiting for you to join them.
I took some time to get to know three of these mom groups active in Chesapeake, and I'm sure more groups will be added in the future. Many of them can be found on Facebook or Instagram, but if you aren't constantly on social media, have no fear: they can often be found in the analog world!
Fit4Mom Southwest Chesapeake
This group of moms proudly calls itself a village, and if you try a free class, you'll find out why.
Fit4MOM Southwest Chesapeake started over 4 years ago, with a mission to build a mom community in Chesapeake. As a military wife and mom of two, Fit4MOM owner, Kaitlin McNutt, understands what it is like to face challenges and need a village of moms who have been there before.
While Fit4MOM is obviously focused on fitness, there is so much more to the community than that. Besides the classes, there are playgroups, walks, and other meetups around town and at each other's homes. Encouragement, laughter and workout motivation are all part of the mix.
Kaitlin's advice for a mom who hasn't found her village in Chesapeake yet? "Come try a class, join us for a playgroup, or meet us for a walk. The hardest part is often showing up that first time, but you'll quickly find a welcoming group of moms who genuinely want to support one another. You don't have to do motherhood alone. Your people might be just one class, one conversation, or one playdate away."
Where to find them:
https://southwestchesapeake.fit4mom.com/
Facebook
Instagram
Hampton Roads Mommy and Me Playdates
What started as an idea for local moms to meet up for playdates turned into something much bigger: a supportive community of mothers.
Credit Lisa Valencia
The group Hampton Roads Mommy and Me Playdates was started a few years ago by Lisa Valencia and her friend Courtney as a simple way to help new moms find connection. The vibe is easy: no pressure, no membership fees, no cliquey feeling. Just come when you can and don't when you can't, but know that you're always welcome either way.
While the group is active all over Hampton Roads, some of their favorite meetup spots in Chesapeake include Oak Grove Lake Park for walks and playground time, Chesapeake City Park (Fun Forest) for stress free playground time and Little Bean Play Cafe & Tiny Beans Play cafe when they want something indoor and structured.
If you're a mom wondering if this is the group for you, Lisa says, "You’re not alone and you’re exactly who this group is for. It can feel really hard putting yourself out there, especially as a mom, but this is a space where you don’t have to have it all together. Just come as you are. There’s a place for you here, and chances are, there are other moms feeling the exact same way you are. Sometimes all it takes is showing up once."
Where to find them:
Facebook
Instagram
The Shared Motherhood
Another local moms group that hosts playdates, walks, and mom nights out in the Chesapeake area is The Shared Motherhood.
Credit: Melany Valencia
The Shared Motherhood was started by a mom named Jade who had a simple goal of making a community where moms could support each other and find friendship. Eventually, the group grew and is now led by a leadership team including Melany Valencia, who kindly answered some questions for me about the group!
When I asked what makes the group different, Melany mentioned that the Shared Motherhood is all about "finding others who can understand the stage of life you're in." The environment is welcoming for both kids and moms, with no pressure.
One of her favorite things about the group has been watching the kids all grow up together. The typical meetup spots in Chesapeake include parks, playgrounds, play cafes, and special events. The goal is for the kids to have fun while the moms can relax and build friendships.
Where to find them:
Instagram
Whether you are looking for a mom-friendly fitness class, friendships with other moms, or socializing for your little ones, these groups are the best place to start looking for your mom squad, village, newest BFFs, etc. Motherhood is hard enough without trying to do it all alone! Meanwhile, this mama is gonna go take her own advice and go to more of these meetups. Maybe I'll see you there!
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