How to Keep Friendships While Being a Busy Working Mom

Let’s be real for a second: being a working mom is like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle through a tornado. Between work, the kids, keeping the house from looking like a war zone, and maybe—just maybe—getting five minutes to yourself, friendships can sometimes feel like the last thing on your to-do list. Honestly, it’s easy to look at your phone and think, “I love my friends, but do they even remember what I look like anymore?” But here’s the truth: You can keep those friendships alive, even amidst the chaos. It’s all about being real, being honest, and, sometimes, just trying to survive with a smile (and a whole lot of caffeine). Let’s dive into how to make it work without feeling like you’re failing your social life—because, spoiler alert: you’re not!

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Here’s how to make time for the friendships that matter most:

1. Be Honest About Your Schedule

One of the most important things I’ve learned is to be upfront with my friends about my availability. Life can be hectic, and I don’t always have hours to spare for long coffee dates or weekend getaways. But being honest about this sets the right expectations and helps prevent feelings of guilt or frustration. When I tell friends I’m swamped, they understand—after all, they’ve been there too!

Sometimes, a 15-minute check-in is all it takes to keep a friendship going strong. Text, send a voice note, or hop on a quick call. You don’t need a 2-hour hangout to maintain a meaningful connection. It’s the small moments that add up!

2. Make Use of Group Chats

We all know group chats are a lifesaver. Rather than trying to coordinate schedules for everyone to meet up, having a group chat for your close friends lets you stay connected through casual conversation. Whether it’s sharing memes, talking about your kids' latest antics, or venting about work, these little interactions help keep you in each other’s lives.

If you’re short on time for one-on-one interactions, a group chat can be a great alternative. You’ll stay in the loop, and your friends will appreciate the effort, even if you can’t dedicate a ton of time to it.

3. Plan Ahead (Even If It’s Just a Quick Coffee)

It’s easy to think that, “Oh, we’ll hang out soon!” and let it slide, but when life is busy, that "soon" can turn into months without seeing a friend. Instead, be proactive. Set a date in advance—even if it’s just for a quick coffee or a walk in the park. Putting it on the calendar makes it feel more like a priority, and it’ll give you something to look forward to.

If your schedule is super packed, don't be afraid to make the meet-up short but sweet. A 30-minute chat can still mean the world to both of you.

4. Include Your Friends in Your Family Life

I know time is tight, but sometimes the best way to maintain friendships is by including your friends in your family activities. If you’re having a playdate with the kids, invite a friend along. Or if you’re planning a casual family dinner, ask them to join. This way, you don’t have to sacrifice family time, and your friend gets to see the real, busy life you’re living.

It’s also a fun way to give your kids a chance to connect with your friends and their families, which can strengthen the bond you share.

5. Be Kind to Yourself About Friendships

As a working mom, it’s easy to feel like you’re dropping the ball when it comes to friendships. Life is busy, and you don’t always have the energy for long heart-to-hearts. But the truth is, friendship isn’t about the quantity of time spent together—it’s about the quality. So, if you can’t be as present as you’d like, don’t beat yourself up about it.

Friendships require time, but they also require understanding. Real friends will respect your busy schedule and will still be there for you when things settle down. It’s about consistency, not perfection.

6. Use Technology to Stay Connected

If you can’t meet up in person, technology is your best friend. Video calls, voice memos, and even sending funny TikToks or memes are easy ways to stay in touch. Setting aside a few minutes to send a thoughtful message or voice memo can really show your friends you’re thinking of them, even if you’re not able to hang out in person.

Consider setting a reminder in your calendar for a “friendship check-in” each week. It doesn’t need to be long, but reaching out consistently can make a big difference.

7. Don’t Forget to Let Your Friends Know You Appreciate Them

Sometimes, in the whirlwind of daily life, we forget to express how much our friends mean to us. Take a moment to send a message, share a small gift, or simply say, “I miss you” or “I’m so glad you’re in my life.” A little appreciation can go a long way, and it reminds both of you of the special bond you share.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining friendships while being a busy working mom isn’t easy, but it’s worth every bit of effort. Your friends are a support system, a source of joy, and an essential part of your mental health. While your time may be limited, finding little ways to stay connected can help you preserve those meaningful relationships. So, be kind to yourself, prioritize the friendships that matter most, and remember—true friends will always understand when life gets busy.

And hey, you don’t need to do it all alone—reach out to your friends when you need them. Chances are, they’re going through the same thing and will appreciate the connection just as much as you do!

-Fabi