I'm a mom with daughters,ages 20 and 25. My reason for becoming a member of AZmoms was because having older kids doesn't exclude me from enjoying all your stories and questions and it connected me with other women. I realize that many of you have small children so it's hard for me to relate to you at this time of my life.My dilemna is that I work from home(part time) and I have too much time on my hands. I no longer have kids in school so volunteering for that is out AND the ability to meet new parents through school ( when we moved here one kid was out of school and one was in high school). I live in a neighborhood with lots of older retirees ( I'm only 48). Help!!!!! I need to meet up with some people my age. Did you ever try to strike up a conversation with someone at the grocery store? Most women look at you like you're desperate and who can blame them I DO look like I'm desperate....I lived my whole life up until 6 years ago in New Jersey where I had lots of friends. Friends from my own growing up experience and then my children's.When you don't work outside of the home and you don't have kids in school, you'd be surprised how hard it is to make new friends. Also, it's during the day that I would like to meet up with friends as I am happily married and have plenty to do nights and weekends. I've thought about Boys and Girls club volunteering but that's an "after school" thing as are many other events I could volunteer for. I'm spiritual but not religious so meeting people through church isn't really an option although it's a great suggestion for people who are churchgoers. I'm interested in maybe a lunch, maybe shopping with a friend,things like that. Is there anybody out there that's in a similar position? I live in Scottsdale
I think a lot of moms with
I think a lot of moms with older kids, especially those who are new to the area, feel this way. I am not currently in this boat as I have babies still. I can sympathize, though, with how isolating motherhood can he sometimes. I would suggest volunteering at the schools still even though your kids are college-age. So many of the schools are short-staffed and would LOVE to have someone come in. Scottsdale-Shea Hospital is also a good place to volunteer. Good luck!
Debbie Akers, a northeast Phoenix mom of three young sons, is a member of the Arizona Republic's Parent Advisory Panel.
What kind of things do you
What kind of things do you like to do? If you have a bit of free time maybe you could take a class at ASU as a non degree seeking student. Honestly they are not all 19. If you like crafts, exercise, whatever you like. Also their are some great volunteer opportunities at the herburger (sp?) theater and other places like that where you could connect with other people. I would start with your personal interest and see where that takes you, because you will end up with other like minded people and can bond over shared interest. Good luck, you seem to have a good attitude and bet that you will find a group soon enough.
My oldest sister is only 6
My oldest sister is only 6 years older and all her kids are grown (i.e., 18+), and I think of her as a great resource. There's a lot of first time "older" moms in here (myself included) and I truly appreciate a seasoned mom's perspective. Sometimes, I feel completely out of my league raising a little one these days!!
As for volunteering, there is a wonderful website called 1-800 Volunteer. The weblink is
http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/1800Vol/OpenIndexAction.do?nationalPortal...
This will give you access to hundreds (if not thousands) of local non-profits looking for volunteers. Each organization files a description of what they are looking for, along with information about their organization, links, etc. It allows you the opportunity to make an educated decision about where you'd like to go so you can maximize the "feel good" effect you are looking for.
There's volunteer opportunities that are posted on this forum, too.
I am a very active volunteer and have kissed a bunch of frogs before finding my "princely" organizations. Be sure to go with what you like and where you are treated well. I have been a volunteer with organizations who treated me well while others...not so well. :-(
Good luck!
Mouse_tales is a discussion leader in the East Valley for arizonamoms.com. She spends most of her days juggling her duties as a (bio & step) mom, wife, and business owner. Her three little kittens range in age from 5 to 13.