Being a Stay-At-Home mom is challenging. (We’ve already gotten into the reasons why!) I never knew how difficult it would be to spend 7-8 hours a day with this little face starring back at you. After 9 months of that, you then spend 7-8 hours a day trying to find ways to distract that sweet face when funny noises and ticking are no longer doing the trick. And just when I thought there was a light at the end of the tunnel, and my Little Man was playing and entertaining himself, he now requires larger forms of entertainment like spray parks and Children’s Museums that wear me out!
At the end of the day, moms need a break. We need a way to remember that we’re more than just a food source or tissue collector. And it wasn’t until I became a mom that I truly appreciated this.
For 3 years, I’ve been a member of a Book Club that was formed by a few girls at my church. To this day, I’m so thankful that I was asked to become a part of the group because it’s been a huge influence in my life; both personally and as a mother.
Why I Recommend a Book Club to Other Moms:
1) Personal Growth: You’d never guess if you met me, but I was the definition of an introvert. It took a few meetings for me to speak out and allow others to get to know me. My book club was a great opportunity for me to become more comfortable with meeting new people, learn how to express my opinion, and gain friends outside of my son; which I would realize the importance of until much later.
2) Feel A Little Smarter: When I was much younger, I loved to read, but somewhere during college, I lost the desire. I was being forced to read so many books during the school year that leisure reading was saved for vacations and holidays. Then once I became a working woman,the time for books seemed to disappear completely. It wasn’t until I was forced to make time to read that I realized how much I missed it! Each time I finish a book (that isn’t Goodnight Moon), I feel like I’ve exercised my brain and I’veactually accomplished something.
3) Prep for Motherhood: For a while, I was 1 of 2 girls in our club that didn’t have children. As a DINK, I remember thinking “Why do these women talk about their kids so much?” Now I’m thankful they did! Looking back, these fellow mothers where mentoring me without my knowledge. I found myself listening to their stories, and absorbing their advice before my first even arrived. Looking back, I can credit these women for me being a more relaxed, less worrisome mom. And now that I am a mom, they’re a great source to turn to when I need advice!
4) You Time: Let’s face it. There is nothing better than kissing your husband and kids goodnight, and walking out the door for a little R&R. I couldn’t imagine a more relaxing “me time” than enjoying a glass of wine with girlfriends over great conversation. I eagerly look forward to our monthly meet-ups to be able to have adult conversation and share my opinions. It’s rejuvenating and helps me to feel more than an independent person than just a mom.
If you’re looking for a way to form deep relationships, relax and be yourself, and feel a little smarter, try joining a book club. Even if you’re not a serious reader, you’re a mom of 6, or new to motherhood, there’s a book club out there for you.
Not sure where to start? Simply, find a club in your area.
In my part of town, book clubs aren’t hard to find.
- HOA’s (Our neighborhood association has a group that meets monthly.)
- Get plugged in at a local church.
- Visit a community center bulletin board.
- Talk to a preschool director or PTA member who might be in-the-know.
- Meetup.com: With a simple online search, you’ll can find book clubs of all sizes and interests in your area; from serious readers to casual skimmers.
- The Reader’s Circle: Similar to Meetup.com only it’s dedicated to Book Clubs
If you’re unable to find a club that works with your work/mom schedule, you don’t have to miss out. There are some great online Book Clubs that make reading fun again. Although you won’t immediately get those one-on-one connections, there’s something to be said about finding your group of friends online! (Just ask Jamie!)
- BlogHer Book Club: Read with other women across the country while receiving news and questions in your Inbox.
- The Reading Room: An online book community with user-started book clubs based on topics of interest.
- She Knows Book Lounge: Similar to the original Oprah’s Book Club. You’ll find author interviews, discussion boards, and an entire online community reading the same books as you!
Still not sure if you’ll enjoy the people you meet? Start one of your own! Use any of the sources listed above and start a book club that works for you.
Are you looking for a book club or have a club that’s open to new members? Let us know by leaving a comment and we”ll help others make some connections!
