I can only speak for myself, but when I think about my pre-baby life, it sometimes feels like a totally different existence. From making spontaneous, last-minute plans, going on random road trips, to bonding with my girlfriends over Sunday morning mimosas, I can confidently say that a lot has changed. My social life used to centered around doing exciting things, going to child-free places, and experiencing new adventures with the people I love. And while I still get to experience new things with the people I love, these days, it’s a lot less “spontaneous trip to the beach” and a lot more “spontaneously leaving the splash pad due to an unforeseen diaper explosion.”

But despite the fact that I now perpetually plan my life around naptime and feeding schedules, I still need some social interaction. But let’s be honest. If I were to wait around for my schedule to magically align with my fellow mom friends, we would never get together. I know that I’m probably not alone when I say- I’ve missed out on a lot of opportunities to socialize by waiting around for the perfect occasion to socialize. But here’s the truth. We don’t need to go out dancing, see a movie, or have a child-free shopping date for me to enjoy your company. I am perfectly content, sitting around with some snacks and enjoying your conversation while our kids keep each other entertained. Or argue over a plastic spoon. It depends on the day.

Look. I get that moms need time away from their kids to connect with their friends and reclaim their identity outside of motherhood, and I am in no way negating that we need to do so. I’m merely suggesting that in addition to orchestrating these mom-night-out events, we also get comfortable hanging out without any prospective plans from time to time. Whether it’s going to the park for an hour, walking the dogs as a squad, or just sitting on the living room floor and expressing our grievances over Caillou, I’m totally game. Because here’s the truth, despite constantly being around tiny people, motherhood can be kinda lonely. But it doesn’t have to be this way. No mom deserves to pick goldfish crackers out of her carpet alone. Unless, of course, she wants to.

So this is my public service announcement, mamas. Call your mom friends and make some plans that don’t involve any planning at all. Stop waiting for the perfect moment to socialize and start making the most of every moment you’re provided. Plant seeds of friendship in the soil of mutually shared experiences, water them often and watch them grow. Because after all, the greatest bonds are usually the ones that make the most of every situation, savor the simple moments, and find the fun in every circumstance. This is true for friendship, and this is definitely true for motherhood. So why not combine the two and do it together.

Need help finding some supportive mom-friends? Check out our Facebook group- Latched Mama Love! We can’t wait to meet you.