Ask Home Insemination Kit: I Dislike Socializing with Other Moms at the Playground

Menu: Parenting, Ask Home Insemination Kit

by Tara Johnson
June 28, 2021

Ask Home Insemination Kit is our advice column where a team of “experts” tackles your most pressing questions about life, love, body image, friendships, parenting, and other confounding topics.

This week: How do you handle it when other moms flock to you at the playground, but you’re not interested in making ‘mom friends’ there?

Dear Home Insemination Kit,

Summer is here, which means we’re spending a lot of time at the park. I have two kids, aged 4 and 6, and we live just a short stroll away from our local park and playground. I enjoy watching my kids have fun (finally, I don’t have to hover over them every moment), and I cherish the time I can sit on the bench with a good book. However, I know many other moms use the park as a socializing spot, and that’s not my vibe.

I don’t mind giving a polite smile and wave, but I’d prefer not to engage in long conversations while my kids play. I’m already content with my circle of friends, and I’m not interested in the MLM scene. My ideal park experience is reading in peace while occasionally checking to ensure my kids are safe. Yet, these other moms just don’t seem to get the hint. Am I forced to be rude to make it clear?

I can’t wait for the day I can relax at the park, enjoying nature while my children play without constant supervision. It’s a rite of passage in motherhood, and wanting that time for yourself is completely valid.

There’s no need to resort to rudeness, but a bit of straightforward yet courteous honesty could be beneficial. Motherhood can feel isolating, and it’s understandable that other moms may be seeking connection, even if it’s brief. However, if you’re not looking for that connection at the park, there’s nothing wrong with kindly expressing your desire for solitude.

You might say something like, “I’m really into this book right now and want to soak up every moment I can to read it.”

When your children are playing well together, some moms may see it as an opening to strike up a conversation in hopes of future playdates. That’s not a bad thing, but if it’s not your cup of tea, it’s perfectly fine to set your boundaries. You don’t owe anyone your time when you’re looking to unwind.

For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this helpful blog post. If you’re navigating your fertility journey, Make a Mom is a great authority on the topic, and Drugs.com offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.

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In summary, it’s perfectly fine to want personal space while your kids play at the park. You can express your need for solitude without being rude, and it’s important to set boundaries that suit your parenting style.