It happens.

But sometimes, we can get so lost in the phase our kids are in, we forget what phase we’re in. Yes, we are parents. But we’re also adults who are wired to connect relationally with other adults. It’s not just a want—it’s a physiological need. But for a lot of us, making friendships when we’re this age and when we have this much responsibility feels more than difficult…it feels impossible.

If this feels true for you, here are five manageable ways to connect with other parents this summer:

Take a class. 

Want to brush up on those salsa dancing skills? Learn to cook Italian food? Take a primitive survival course? There’s no time like the present. Learning new skills or improving old ones is a great way to meet other people in your area. Plus, a lot of communities offer summer courses through their parks and recreation programs at discounted rates.

Take a health and wellness challenge. 

You don’t necessarily have to go to a gym or bench press your own body weight to focus on your health and wellness. Maybe it’s a Facebook group you join to learn more about nutrition. Maybe it is a summer-long contest at your fitness center. All you need to know is that you won’t be the only parent in the group feeling nervous or insecure.

Visit the same place at the same time each week. 

Even in the summertime, a lot of parents have routines. By going to the same place at the same time every week, you’re likely to find another family on your schedule. A neighbourhood pool, a park, an indoor playground. Yes, you may actually have to take the first step in introducing yourself…which somehow feels way harder as an adult than it did in first grade…but the reward could be the grownup connection you want and need.

Teach something. 

What are you good at? Whether it’s how to budget down to the last cent in Excel or how to in-line roller skate, there’s a skill you have that other adults want. Plan a day and invite some folks to come learn from you. Better yet, ask those adults to schedule other days to teach you and the others what they know.

Try an app. 

There’s an app for everything these days. Even apps for meeting other parents. Apps like Meetup, Moms MeetUp, Mom Life, Peanut, and Hello Mamas are just a few. You can also try out parent groups found on Facebook. But just like you’d tell your kids, be safe.

You may not have a ton of “alone” time on your hands. You might not even have any. But now, more than ever, there are ways to connect with people your own age in whatever phase you find yourself in. Remember: you won’t be in this phase forever, and you are still you—an individual, separate from your kids or partner. Do something different because it’s worth it. You’re worth it. – Content provided by Parent Cue