Why Are So Many Parents Feeling Lonely?

The other day, I smiled and said “hi” to another mum at the park.

She looked at me like I’d just asked her to donate a kidney.

I get it. I really do. We’re all focused on our kids making sure they don’t faceplant off the climbing frame or eat bark. But it hit me how hard it’s become to have a simple chat. No one can small talk anymore. And honestly? I feel the awkwardness too.

I want to say something. I want connection. But half the time I have no idea where to start. Being a parent can be so lonely.

Parenthood can feel incredibly isolating, even in a crowded park full of prams and little ones running around. It’s not that we don’t want to talk it’s that we’re exhausted, out of practice, and unsure how to begin.

And I think a lot of us are quietly hoping someone else makes the first move.

So here’s what I’ve started doing: I’ve got a little mental list of go-to small talk openers. They’re simple, they’re low pressure, and they’ve actually worked.

So if you're standing there feeling just as awkward as I do sometimes, maybe give one a go:

✨ Talk about a milestone.

“Mine just climbed the fort on their own for the first time such a relief!”

✨ Comment on something you love about the park.

“How good is it that this park has trampolines? Get that energy out!”

✨ Compliment their child.“

Wow, they’re so brave going that high on the swing, mine’s still working up to it”

✨ Make a light joke.

“I swear I’ll be finding bark in my bra tonight”

✨ Tell a funny story.

“I got stuck trying to slide down that tiny slide the other week. Never again”

✨ Or just admire a good idea.

One mum brought bubbles and sandpit toys to share. Genius! Everyone ended up chatting around the sandpit.

Because under all of it, we’re not just managing kids. We’re also humans seeking connection.

We just forget how to start.

So the next time you’re at the park and someone says hi (even if it’s awkward, even if your brain goes totally blank) maybe smile back.

Say something.

You never know who might be standing there hoping you’ll talk first.

P.S. If you're craving more connection, you're not alone.

I'm working on something special for mums who want to laugh, feel seen, and maybe even dance a little again.

✨ Join the waitlist to be the first to hear about Thriving Mums Club a new kind of get-together made just for us.

👉 Click here to get on the guest list 💕

Let’s find the fun again.