As a Knoxville transplant, I know first-hand how hard it is to create a community for your family when you’re a new mom in a new place.
I mean, honestly even if you’ve lived here your entire life, it’s hard to create a community for yourself after you have a baby because your life has changed so much. Maybe you’re on maternity leave, maybe you left your job to become a stay at home mom, or maybe you’re wallowing in the in-between space of I-just-had-a-baby-what-have-I-done-to-my-life.
No matter what your circumstances are, becoming a mom is a lifestyle shift. Things change. They just do. And what a new mom needs more than anything is support.
Moms need community.
Your life dynamics change a little more after each kid, each job change, each milestone you pass. It’s easy for a mother to become isolated and isolation is the major contributor to postpartum depression. We need to combat that!
I hope you’ll check out these groups around town if you’re in need of friends, connections for your children, and support from women in a similar phase of life.
FIT4MOM
FIT4MOM West Knoxville is a very active group of wonderful women! There are multiple workouts and activities put on each week for both you and your kids. It’s an excellent way to break a sweat and make new friends.
MOPS
If you’re looking for a Christian based support group of women, I highly recommend MOPS. There are multiple MOPS groups around town, so find one near you!
KM Community Groups
If you’re active on Facebook, be sure to join your Neighborhood Group! These are all moderated by us here at Knoxville Moms and they are excellent resources, especially if you’re new in town.
Gyms
Get out of the house and get a couple of hours to yourself! Most gyms offer group fitness classes you can try. A gym can truly become a community if you let it! I go to National Fitness Center and the only people there in the mornings are moms with little kids — utilizing that two hours of childcare, baby!
Women’s Church Groups
There are a plethora of churches around the Knoxville area with small groups that meet throughout the week.
Mommy + Me Classes
So many options here! Kindermusik and Baby + Me Yoga are just a couple you’ll find around town.
Peanut App
There is an active group within the Peanut App that meets up often. The app’s slogan is: “A safe space for women to meet and find support” and I don’t know a mom that doesn’t need that.
Join FB Groups
There are so many “Knoxville Moms Groups” on Facebook. I guarantee you can find one that suits your lifestyle! I’ve seen anything from hiking groups, to birth groups, to crunchy parenting — just give ’em a search.
Community Centers
An often overlooked asset in a community is the community or rec center! They offer a wide range of classes throughout the week for both adults and kids.
Get Out & About
The quickest way to meet other moms without making a major commitment is just getting out of the house. Parks, greenways, Target on a rainy day, play areas, and the like are crawling with moms, especially early in the morning.
I hope this list has been helpful if you’re looking for community connections!
