Thinking about coming for the first time?

Any mom looking for friendship and community is welcome. You don't have to know anyone before coming, and you definitely don't need to be invited by an existing member.

No. We have moms who come from Woodbine and surrounding communities. If you're willing to make the drive, you're welcome to join us.

Yes. If you know another mom who could use a village, we would love for you to bring her.

The Mom Friend Club is primarily a space created for moms to build friendships with other moms. Some family events throughout the year may include partners and other family members, and those will be clearly marked.

Our regular Mom Friend Club meetups are Tuesdays from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. We also have moms-only nights, seasonal events, outings, and other activities throughout the year.

Our regular Tuesday meetups are held in Woodbine, Iowa, at our group host's home. Event locations may vary for outings, moms nights, and special activities.

Honestly, a lot of chatting while the kids play. Some weeks we may have a simple craft, sensory activity, outdoor activity or something special set up for the kids, but our regular meetups aren't heavily structured. The goal is for moms to have time to connect while the kids get to play.

Check this website and our Facebook group for upcoming meetups, moms nights, special events, sign-ups, announcements and schedule changes.

RSVPs are always helpful so we have an idea of how many moms and kids to expect, especially when we're planning an activity or providing supplies. But we also understand that life with kids is unpredictable.

No worries at all. Sick kids, bad naps, appointments, rough mornings and unexpected things happen. Just come whenever it works for your family.

Come anyway. You do not have to arrive right at 9:00 or stay until 11:00. Show up when you can and leave when you need to.

Not at all. Come once a week, once a month, once every few months, or whenever life allows. There is no attendance requirement.

Regular Mom Friend Club meetups are free unless an event specifically says otherwise. Occasionally, special activities, outings, moms nights or group projects may have an optional cost.

Usually, nope. If we're doing an activity that requires anything special, we'll let you know ahead of time. You're always welcome to bring drinks, snacks, diaper bags, comfort items, or anything else your family needs.

Whatever you're comfortable in. Leggings, pajamas under a coat, messy bun, no makeup, yesterday's sweatshirt. We truly do not care. This is a come-as-you-are group.

Please do.

Absolutely. Kids are a huge part of our group. Regular Tuesday meetups are designed for moms and their children.

There's a mix. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age siblings may all be around depending on the day. Your child does not need to be a certain age to attend.

Bring them. There is no such thing as a baby being too young for Mom Friend Club. Sometimes getting out of the house and having adults to talk to is exactly what a new mom needs.

Then they'll fit right in. Kids cry. Toddlers melt down. Babies need fed. Someone is eventually going to spill something. You never need to feel embarrassed or leave because your child is having a hard moment.

Moms are responsible for their own children, but our meetups are intentionally relaxed so moms can actually sit, talk and connect while the kids play nearby. We ask everyone to help reinforce our basic play-area expectations: no hurting people, no breaking or throwing toys, and toys stay in the play area.

Of course. They do not have to jump right into playing. They can stay close to you, observe, warm up slowly, or participate as much or as little as they're comfortable with.

Sometimes. Certain events may include snacks, potlucks or food sign-ups. For normal meetups, feel free to bring anything you or your children may need.

Please let us know about serious allergies, especially for events involving shared food or group activities. Parents should still check foods and ingredients before giving anything to their child.

Yes. Walking into a group where you don't know anyone can feel intimidating. Many of our moms came to their first meetup knowing absolutely no one. You're welcome to message us before coming so we can be looking out for you when you arrive.

You will not be the awkward new person forever, we promise. New moms join throughout the year, and one of the biggest priorities of The Mom Friend Club is making sure new people feel included rather than feeling like they walked into an established clique.

That is quite literally why we're here. You don't need to already have mom friends to come to The Mom Friend Club. You come here to find them.

Then we especially hope you'll come. You don't have to have everything together. You don't need the perfect house, perfect kids, perfect marriage, perfect schedule or perfect anything. The whole reason this group exists is because motherhood was never meant to be done alone.

Moms Nights are kid-free opportunities to actually hang out as friends instead of only talking between snack requests and diaper changes. Activities vary and might include game nights, crafts, dinners, outings, seasonal events or other fun things.

Nope. Everything within the group is optional. Participate in whatever sounds fun and skip whatever doesn't work for you.

Yes. Moms can volunteer in whatever capacity works for them, from providing an activity during a meetup to helping organize larger projects, special events, meal trains, swaps, welcome baskets and other community initiatives. See the Get Involved page.

Absolutely not. Being a member of the group is enough. Volunteering is simply there for moms who want to get more involved.

Please do. This group is built by moms for moms, and we love suggestions. You can submit ideas through our suggestion form or reach out directly.

Reach out anytime. We would much rather you ask than feel unsure about coming. Send us a message through our Facebook group and we'll be happy to help.