Building a parent network is a great way to support your children, and your sanity. It means you have friends who “get it”—people with whom you can plan (and attend) kid-friendly activities, swap parenting tips and tricks, and share stories from the trenches.

If you’re looking for ways to build your parent network, we’ve got some ideas.

1. Attend School Events

This is an easy one because you’re already doing it! Keep attending your little one’s events and start chatting with your fellow attendees. You’ll be surprised how eager other parents are to connect! You already have one very important thing in common and it won’t be long before you find out many more. Happy chatting!

2. Schedule Playdates 

Playdates are a win-win—your kiddo gets to play with a friend, while you (maybe) make one, too. And as your child plays with different friends, you get to meet different parents and find the ones you click with. Because the truth is you won’t click with everyone. And that’s OK!

3. Join a Mommy & Me Group

When your little ones are extra little, joining a Mommy & Me Group is a great way to meet with other local parents early on in your journey. You can even try Mommy & Me Yoga, Mommy & Me music classes, and tons more activities where you connect—and have fun—with other parents.

4. Try a Parent App

When in doubt, there’s an app for that! Apps like Peanut, nicknamed Tinder for Moms, help parents connect virtually and co-navigate the rollercoaster ride that is parenting.

5. Connect Virtually in a Facebook Group

There are many great Facebook groups to help parents connect, including the new Once Upon a Farm group, A Fresh Take. Our Facebook community is a safe and supportive place to connect with other parents and caregivers. You can also participate in Q&As with experts and get other special perks!

Through all the highs and lows of parenting, having other moms and dads on the ride with you makes it so much better. But don’t just take our word for it! Start building your parent network today and you’ll be reaping the benefits in no time.