5 Simple Ways to Build Stronger Friendships as a Working Mom
Last weekend, I was standing at my son’s soccer game when another mom came over to me and said:
“Hey, if you ever need help getting W to a game, we're happy to help. We’ve got room in our car so just ask.”
She has younger kids and admitted that “Someday we’ll be juggling three soccer schedules too, and I’ll be hoping someone offers the same support.”
That moment nearly brought me to tears. not just because she offered help, but because it reminded me what friendships are really built on: giving and receiving.
And yet… when you’re a working mom in the thick of raising kids and building a career, friendship is one of the things that slips to the back burner. Between work, kids, and the running to-do list, making time to hang out or even just connect with friends feels like a “later” goal.
But the truth is: friendships matter. They give us support, laughter, perspective, and the reminder that we’re not doing life alone. So how do we nurture them — even in busy seasons?
In this post, I’m sharing five simple, doable ways to strengthen your friendships, inspired by Anna Goldfarb’s book Modern Friendship and the conversations I’ve had with many of my coaching clients.
1. Set Your Friendship Goals
As working moms, we set goals all the time — for our careers, health, and families. But have you ever set a friendship goal?
Think about what you want in this season of life. Do you want:
To deepen the friendships you already have?
More local friends you can see regularly?
A group of friends you can travel or try new things with?
Without a clear goal, it’s easy to feel like something’s missing but not be able to name what it is. Once you know what you’re looking for, you can take small steps toward creating it.
2. Commit to Showing Up
Active friendships take intention and some consistency.
It doesn’t mean you have to plan elaborate outings, but it is important to "show up" in some way for the things that matter. Sometimes it’s as simple as remembering birthdays, sending a “good luck” text before a big work event, or celebrating milestones with a quick coffee or a card.
Small gestures matter more than we think. So decide how you want to show up for the friendships in your life (or the ones you're deepening) and then put those commitments in the calendar.
3. Automate Connection
Our brains are already juggling a million things. Don’t be afraid to use reminders to make connection easier:
Put birthdays and milestones in your calendar.
Set recurring reminders to check in.
Schedule a monthly coffee or phone date.
There’s no shame in needing a system. Automating connection ensures that your busy life doesn't get in the way and it frees up energy while still keeping friendships alive.
4. Double Dip
We all say there’s “no time” for friends. But what if you wove friendship into the things you’re already doing?
Invite a friend to join your workout or walk.
Do errands together (yes, even Target returns can be more fun with company!).
My favorite example: a group of women who schedule their annual mammograms on the same day and then go out for lunch afterward.
Ordinary tasks become connection points when you share them.
5. Ask for (and Accept) Help
This one can feel uncomfortable — but it’s often the most powerful.
Friendship isn’t just about showing up for others; it’s also about letting others show up for you:
Ask for the small favor.
Let someone grab milk for you on their grocery run.
Accept the carpool offer.
These moments build trust and deepen relationships. And, of course, offer help when you can — without keeping score.
Friendship Takes Intention — But It’s Worth It
As a working mom, your plate is full. But investing even a little energy into friendships can pay off in big ways. Because the truth is: none of us are meant to do this alone.
If friendship has been sitting on the back burner for you, I'd love to help you create a plan to have the number and types of friendships that you want. We'll start by triaging the overwhelm of daily life and getting the chaos a bit more organized so that you have the space to add something else in - like focusing on your friendships. From there, we'll set your goals, identify the action steps that you can take, and create a plan so you know exactly what to do and when. You'll know exactly what to do to create the friendships you want, and you'll have the accountability to follow through.
Click below to learn more about 1:1 coaching and fill out a short application to see if you'd be a fit.