Let’s face it, regardless of one’s age, making new friends and boosting your social life can be challenging. Whether you are a first time mum, brand new to the Cayman Islands, or a stay-at-home parent, you most likely want to meet some other lovely parents to keep you company, chat about the joys and struggles of parenthood (over coffee or wine!) and arrange playdates. We asked local parents how they’ve made new friends and they have shared their best tips below!
Four Ways to Kick Start Your Parent Social Life
1. Prenatal Classes
When veteran parents were asked how they went about meeting other parents, many mentioned connecting at one of the childbirth classes offered on-Island. The classes are an excellent way to meet others who are also expecting babies around the same time. You will not only come away from the classes with a wealth of knowledge, equipping you for your hospital stay and delivery, you will very likely have made some soon-to-be parental acquaintances as well!
2. Social Media Parent Groups
Aside from being a quick resource, when you are looking for information in a pinch, there are several Facebook groups for parents on-Island. They are great places to keep up-to-date with social activities open for everyone to attend. Group members often share invitations to community and family events like playdates in the park, picnics and impromptu meet-ups with other parents.
Join the Marriott Mums group which meets every Tuesday morning in the grand foyer at the Marriott Resort for a coffee and chat! All mums and babies are welcomed and it’s a great way to make new friends. Join their WhatsApp group for updates and meeting times: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CNip5foiqo6HfdzXBndl9m.
Also check out the following Facebook groups: Cayman Parent, KY Mommies and Women of Cayman. Better yet, start your own group! Send a Facebook shout out looking for other new parents who might want to get together for a coffee or glass of wine!
3. Baby & Toddler Activity Groups
Another excellent way to meet other mums and dads is through organised activities and lessons such as parent and baby yoga/exercise, sing-alongs, swimming and dance classes. There are loads of weekly activities in Grand Cayman! Choose a few activities each week that fit with your baby/child’s schedule. While you are out there, talk to people! Initiate conversation by asking “How old is your little one….?” Make eye contact, smile and introduce yourself. You are sure to come away from each activity with at least one new acquaintance and are certain to find that friendly face again at another activity. Before long, you will be exchanging numbers and setting up playdates!
4. Take a Postnatal Exercise Class
Postnatal exercise groups are another great way to meet mums with babies around the same age as yours. Most classes allow you to bring your baby with you so not only will you make new friends, but your babies will too! Arrange to go for a coffee with the mums after your workout and you will have some new buddies in no time!
Helpful Tip
Socialising isn’t just important for new mums and dads, it’s important for babies too. Studies have shown that when babies interact with others at a very young age, it builds social skills and confidence. While children don’t begin to play together until they are about two or three years old, young babies benefit from the stimulation that exposure to other babies provides.
