Social Networks are an important part of motherhood and for many mothers, it is the new neighborhood. Many moms find it much easier to connect with new friends that have similar cyber interests as well as their own real-life girlfriends on social platforms.

1. Social Networks Are the New
Neighborhood for Moms

2. Social Media Sites…

3. Social Networks are an important part of motherhood and for
many mothers, it is the new neighborhood. Many moms find
it much easier to connect with new friends that have similar
cyber interests as well as their own real-life girlfriends on social
platforms. What started out as a trendy something-to-do has
quickly become a must-do for all women to stay sane when life
is quite the opposite. We turn to social media for easy dinner
recipes or to blow off steam when things go wrong to an
audience that is relatively safe.

4. Moms are too busy to connect over the fence so many of us have
pulled out our laptops, tablets and phones to visit with friends. I
don't believe that social networking can replace the face-to-face
girl time but I will admit that since Facebook, Twitter and
LinkedIn, I've connected and communicated with tons of people
from high school, college and old neighbors and friends who I'm
truly glad to have become reacquainted with.

5. Megan Calhoun, the founder of one of my favorite social
networks called SocialMoms.com said:
"Women, especially mothers, seem to be naturally gifted
community builders. The growth of social networking services
like Facebook and Twitter has helped them expand beyond
physical communities and family. Women can now extend their
networks to connect with people they admire, trust, share a
connection with or who simply make them laugh.

6. While I'd argue nearly all women crave community and support --
particularly around the challenges of motherhood -- not all women
are equally driven to build extensive communities. There is a need
to build community, but the trend you're likely referring to is simply
that some moms are driven to maintain highly visible, extensive
communities and the world of social networking sites and blogs
allow them to maintain a high number of relationships in an
efficient manner."

7. Tracy Odell, Executive Vice President of Cafemom.com believes:
"One reason that social networking is important to today's
moms is because the real-life support systems that previous
generations of moms had have eroded. In the past, mothers
lived with family and extended family and had lots of help
raising their children. Today, many moms live in more isolated
households so being able to go online to get advice or just have
another person to talk to is a both a huge help and a sanity
saver. We all need a shoulder to lean on and online
communities offer that shoulder any time you need it."

8. So, to help you get started, here are my
top 10 social networks for moms:

9. 1. Babycenter.com: Extensive resource for new
moms.
Parentsconnect.com: Wonderful resource for
2. advice, humor, and to make connections.
3. CafeMoms.com: Tons of great parenting articles
and a well-organized community. Smart mom
bloggers and exceptional, relevant content.

10. 4. SocialMoms.com: Great site to build your personal
brand online with high integrity opportunities and
an extended network of like-minded mothers.
iVillage.com: Great site with excellent content to
5. help women navigate what is most important to
them.
6. Scarymommy.com: This is just downright hilarious.

11. 7. 5MinutesForMom.com: Blogs, articles, and an
extensive mom network.
LifetimeMoms.com: This truly entertaining site
8. has videos, games, and more just for moms.
MomsWhoThink.com: A lot of great information
9. with a focus on healthy living for families.
10. Disneyworldforum.disney.go.com: Because we
love Disney and go every year.

12. And....for a bonus #11 and a little shameless
self-promotion:

13. www.TimeForMom-me.com
Mom network that focuses on the importance of and how to practice
successful self-care.

14. If you have been fighting social networking, I encourage
you not to knock it before you try it. If you are a veteran,
share what your favorite sites are for women and
mothers. Enjoy your new neighbors.
Mia Redrick
The Mom Strategist