A Place For ALL Moms – Cafemom

Image via CrunchBase

CafeMom is a social networking website aimed at mothers.  When I say aimed at mothers, I mean all types of mothers.  This site does not discriminate!  There are young moms, older moms, single moms, married moms, lesbian moms, tattooed moms, Christian moms, Pagan moms, and of course blogging moms.

I joined CM when I was pregnant with my first daughter in 2007.  During that first year, I was on it many times during the day –even at work!  I learned a lot from being a member of the Cafemom community.  If you are a new mother, or just need to connect on some level with other moms, you should give it a try. 

What I Like About Cafemom

• Advice – you get advice from someone who has been there and done that.  More than likely there is at least one member of Cafemom that has been in your situation and can help you through it.
• Friendships – I’ve met some really good online friends through Cafemom.  None that live close enough to me, but an online connection is better than no connection at all.
• Support – My first daughter was a preemie and I had tons of questions, worries, and concerns.  I was able to connect with other mothers who were going through the same situation or who had been there before.  They were the only ones who understood what I was going through when everyone else thought I had lost it.
• Motivation – Some of the groups on Cafemom are great motivation for me.  Be it weight loss, being frugal, and even the cleaning groups!  They keep me going.
• Diversity – I love the fact that I can join groups only for tattooed moms, or moms in their 30’s, or even tech-geek moms!
• Anonymity – I’m a Facebook addict, but there are some things I don’t want my family to know.  I complain on CM!  LOL.

What I Dislike About Cafemom

• Over Achievers – If you are a new mother and considering joining Cafemom, please read this.  There are some women who seem to talk out of their rear when it comes to milestones their children reach.  As an example; I joined the group for my daughters month/year.  One woman was telling everyone that their 5 month old was drawing birdies with crayons and paper.  Being a new mom (with a preemie) I was so concerned that my daughter wasn’t reaching all of her milestones.  Hell, the only thing she did with a crayon at 5 months old was eat it!  Every child develops at their own pace, and some women want to stand out.
• Closed Mindedness – There is always going to be a few people who thing however you raise your child is wrong, and what they do is right.  Ignore these women…

All in all, this is a great website for mothers to connect with other mothers.  You can learn a lot about many different things and share experiences with others.  I learned a lot about being frugal back when my oldest was born.  My husband was unemployed and things were tight.  The women in the frugal groups helped me through that time with tips and ideas.  Just keep in mind, it is the online world….people can and do say things that aren’t always true.