Kids Make It Look Easy-Maybe It Is: Building Your Parent Village

Let’s be honest: parenting can feel isolating at times. Whether you're soothing a newborn at 2am, chasing a wild toddler, or helping your school ager with homework, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing it all solo. But here’s the truth: you’re not meant to do this alone.

At LE3, we believe in the power of community. Our goal isn’t just to support your child, it’s to support YOU, too. One of the best ways we’ve seen families thrive is by building relationships with other parents. So how do you actually do that? How do you make parent friends, especially when you’re new to it all or just not sure where to start?

Here are a few real life ways to build your parenting village, right here in the LE3 community and beyond.

If You’re Newly Postpartum

Those early days are beautiful, messy, and exhausting. It can be hard to even think about connecting with other parents, but it’s so worth it.

• Join a local postpartum group or virtual meetup. Look for "new mom" or "new parent" support groups at local hospitals, birth centers, or on Facebook.

  
  

• Use apps like Peanut to meet other parents in your area.

  
  

• Don’t underestimate the power of a DM. If you see another parent on Instagram or Facebook going through similar things, a simple "Me too, this stage is wild!" can spark a real friendship.

  
  

• Ask your pediatrician or doula. Many providers know of parent groups or meetups they can recommend.

  
  

You never know who’s feeling the exact same way and just waiting for someone to reach out. No need to plan big outings, even texting another parent during a 3am feed counts as connection!

If You’ve Got a Baby Who Isn’t Park Ready

It might seem like making parent friends is easier once your baby can walk or talk, but there are still great ways to connect.

• Library storytimes or baby classes are a great place to meet others in the same stage.

  
  

• LE3 events often include all ages. Even if your baby is just watching from a carrier, you can meet parents with older kids and start building those connections now!

  
  

• Ask an LE3 teacher to help you connect with another family you’ve seen at drop off.

When Your Kids Are in LE3 or School

Once your child is enrolled in a program like LE3, the opportunities to connect increase, especially if you’re intentional.

• Start conversations at pick up or drop off. Even a quick “Hi! I think our kids play together!” can turn into a friendship.

  
  

• Send a note in your child’s backpack or ask a teacher to pass along your number to another parent for a playdate.

  
  

• Take advantage of LE3 events, open houses, and family nights to meet other parents face to face in a relaxed setting.

  
  

• Pay attention to who your child talks about. If they’ve made a new best friend, chances are their parents would love to connect too.

Use Online Groups and Community Boards

If you're looking for quick ways to find like minded parents, try digital spaces:

• Search for "Buffalo Moms or Dads" or "Buffalo Parents" on Facebook to find local parents outside of LE3 who may be going through the same things.

  
  

• Post intentionally. Saying something like “Looking to connect with other parents of toddlers in the area, anyone want to do a coffee date or stroller walk?” invites people to engage.

  
  

How to Share Your Info Without It Feeling Weird

This is a big one. Lots of us feel awkward making the first move. But the reality is, most parents are hoping someone else breaks the ice.

Try these:

• “Hey, our kids seem to get along. Would you want to do a playdate sometime? I can give you my number!”

  
  

• “We’re always looking to meet other LE3 families. Here’s my number in case you ever want to grab a coffee or hit the playground.”

  
  

Your Village Might Be Closer Than You Think

Making parent friends doesn’t always come naturally, and that’s okay. It takes a little bravery, but the payoff is huge.

At LE3, we’re not just here for your child’s growth. We’re here for your growth, too. Whether it’s connecting at drop off, saying hi at an event, or exchanging numbers with another parent, we encourage you to take that step. Your people might be right around the corner.

Already found a parent friend through LE3? Tell us your story. We’d love to share it and inspire others to find their village too!

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