How to Pick Up a Mom at the Park
Back in the day, my girlfriends and I would meet for a leisurely Sunday brunch at the newest spot in town. We would talk about our jobs, what we did the night before…and obviously, our dating lives. Of course, we all complained about how hard it was to meet someone. We tried went to bars, tried apps, braved blind dates…and no one seemed to be “just right.” Fast forward five years and on the rare occasion we get together for brunch and leave our spouses and kids at home, we still talk about our dating struggles. But here’s the thing. We are happy in our marriages and committed relationships…we are just looking for our perfect Mommy Match!
It is so hard to find a mom who has similar parenting styles, a fun and kind personality, a non-obnoxious kid who gets along well with your child, and lives near you. But here’s the thing I have learned…this elusive species actually DOES EXIST. You just have to find her out in the wild. And where is the best place to pick up a mom? At the park!
Need some tips on how to have the confidence to chat her up, exchange numbers, and set up a future play date? Here are my tried and true tips for picking up a mom at the park:
BE YOURSELF If you are the type who is most comfortable in workout clothes and no makeup, go for it. You are going to the park after all…not the Oscars. But if you are like me and feel most comfortable with your hair and make up done and sparkly baubles around your neck, go for it. Just be your own gorgeous self.
SMILE AND MAKE EYE CONTACT…with everyone! Kids, adults, dogs…everyone! It will not only make you feel more comfortable but also make other people feel more at ease so sparks can fly!
ASK QUESTIONS One of the greatest ways to break the ice is to ask someone a question. Not a creepy one like, “What is your address?” but some easy ones like, “How old is your little one?” or “Where did you get those cute shoes?” I mean, everyone likes a compliment and I’ve never met a mom who never wants to talk about her sweet babe.
INTRODUCE YOUR KIDS I don’t know about your kids, but mine don’t forget ANYTHING. And it’s really awesome (insert sarcasm font here). So if I help my kids put a name to a face, there is an instant connection and way to see if they want to get together again with “park friends.”
PLAN A MEETUP Are your families clicking? Then take a deep breath, put your shoulders back, and propose to meet up at the park again. This way it is on neutral ground and a no pressure situation. Even if the other mom isn’t interested in becoming besties, she might want to just chat with a neighbor out in the sunshine.
EXCHANGE NUMBERS Now, this is a tricky situation. You don’t want to be over zealous asking for someone’s phone number, so the rule of thumb that I always use is to chat with a person on at least two instances before asking for a phone number so that you can text them about a cool event they might want to meet your family at (Have no idea what fun things are going on? That’s what my blog is for!). Resist the urge to become Facebook friends until you hang out a few times…because really…that’s just creepy.
Here’s to hoping that these tips help you get off of Mommy Island and find your Mommy Match. I am proud to say that these tips found me two wonderful friends…and shockingly, one is a DAD!
Amanda Simkin, a lifelong Chicagoan, created her blog (queenofthelandoftwigsnberries.com) to share how she celebrates motherhood in Chicago. She offers “insider’s guides” for both well-known and off-the-beaten-path family-friendly gems. Her fans include Red Tricycle Chicago and Chicago Parent Magazine. You can also follow Amanda on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram,
