#57 Melanie Dale [Finding Mom Friends]

Melanie Dale joins me for a fabulous conversation about Mom Friends; how we make them, why we need them and how it helps our kids. Melanie tells us that it's important for us to have other mom friends so we can model healthy relationships for our kids and so we realize that we're not alone in the parenting challenges we face. She says, "my mom friends actually make me a better parent." Melanie walks us through the bases for mom friends, the four phases our relationships may go through from an acquaintance you make small talk with at soccer practice, to someone you invite for a night out without the kids. Melanie shares her "wow, that's so awesome" approach for when another mom gives us the lowdown on her strong opinion of something we might not agree with. She says it allows the "relationship to breathe and to develop trust." She tells us to lighten up about different parenting choices. And finally we talk about teaching our kids to be good friends. Melanie says "as my kids are going through relationship challenges and dealing with other friends" she tries "to coach from the sidelines and not get on the field." Melanie is the author of four books, including Calm the H*ck Down: How to Let Go and Lighten Up about Parenting. She's a staff writer for Coffee+Crumbs, hosts the podcast Lighten Up with Melanie Dale, and has contributed writing to everything from the (in)courage Devotional Bible to Shudder's Creepshow. She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband of twenty years and their three kids from three different continents.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Calm the H*ck Down: How to Let Go and Lighten Up About Parenting Women Are Scary: The Total Awkward Adventure of Finding Mom Friends 20 Ideas for Zoom Calls BESIDES talking about Coronavirus   MELANIE'S FAVORITE 5 Vampire Teeth Jammies Doc Martins Abel Perfume Harney and Sons Cinnamon Tea Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer   CONNECT WITH MELANIE Instagram | Facebook | Website   THE GATHERING PROJECT A five-day experience to plan, prep and gather with your girlfriends. The Gathering Project begins on March 15th. Register today at girlstalkinglife.com/thegatheringproject. Use code GTL50 for 50% off your registration. My mission is to help you gather, have conversations, create meaningful connections, and build lasting friendships.