[akcskye]

I have never understood the concept of a mom's group.

How do you expect to have some "time out" when you're going to someone else's house to talk "mom"? You know?

I realize that I am pretty anti-social in person...I'm nice...I just don't like to be in group situations...but, to me, it sounds silly (I'm not calling any of you who participate silly so please don't misinterpret...the IDEA of a mom group, to me is silly).

Wouldn't it be, if you felt you needed socialization outside of your children...to get those moms to all join in to hire a babysitter for one night a month and go out to dinner and a movie or karaoke night or something?

That way, you're not having to still be *mom*?

[KatiesEd-dad]

If you really want to be excluded from any of these groups....just be a dad. You're shunned by the SAHM's and the working mom's and don't even get me started on MOPS (and yes I checked, there is no DOPS). I've had gaggles of women totally ignore me and my DD at the playground. I had one woman assume that I was a divorced father visiting with their child because I was at the park at 10:00 am on a Friday morning. I really do get tired of it.

I can give you some sympathy on the schedule thing. I work nights and the rest of the world is on a day time schedule. Nothing like the office people scheduling a mandatory management meeting at 09:00 am when I've worked 12 hours the night before and have to be back that same night for another 12 hour shift. Ok...now I'm just whining...I'll stop!

[lovemy2boys]

Ed, my husband can totally attest to what you are saying. He works nights as well...

I work Fridays, which gives my DH and boys some "alone" time without me - my DH usually takes them to the community center in our area, the park or Burger King to play on the playscape (they disinfect Friday mornings, so they would go immediately following - lol).

Anyway, he went to BK awhile back with the boys, and there was a really nice mom who spent tons of time talking to him...when he and the boys were ready to leave, she said, "I'm usually here on Fridays if you'd like to meet me for coffee" He told her that he was married and she said "Oh - I assumed you were divorced".

He hasn't been to BK since...lol

[Adopted-B-4]

Not sure about your area but there is an organization called Mothers of Preschoolers and different chapters meet at different times. They are supposed to start a night one in our area soon. You can probably just put it in on-line and find one in your area. It's a great place with very supportive women, or so it has been in our area. Good luck!

[jalapeno]

I hear you and sympathize. I'm a SAHM and am so sorry you feel excluded with your local groups. I know the meeting times are a big issue. But I agree with others with regard to evenings and weekends are also mostly out for me because that's when we do a lot of family stuff. I would recommend signing your child up for a class at a local pool or kid's gym. My kids are all in classes. I know they can be pricey but if you can swing a session or two I think it's a great way to meet moms. That's how I met most of the moms that are currently in my playgroups. And in my area at least places like that usually offer a class on Saturdays and sometimes in the evenings.