Welcome to Morganton Moms! We are so happy you’re here, and we are excited for the plans we have. But, first, here’s a little about why this thing even exists. It starts with a personal story, so hang in there.
When I moved to Morganton from Charlotte in 2013, I was excited (and yes, a bit nervous) to create new roots and find a community where we could raise a family & slow the pace of life down just a bit. I knew I would be giving up Target (it was 5 minutes down the road for me in the Queen City) and DRIVE-THRU COFFEE (why- I still don’t understand this), but I also realized all of the amazing things we’d be gaining. Proximity to the mountains, closeness to family, a tightly-knit community, traffic-free roads, and more.
What I didn’t know (but quickly learned) is that moving to Morganton would be hard. Not the actual moving of boxes and furniture (though my husband might disagree) but actually starting to LIVE here. Finding places to play, learning the best places to eat, figuring out small town life hacks (like Family Connections), hiring a babysitter or even finding reliable childcare that isn’t full-time, and the hardest thing of all – finding a tribe.
When you move, even if it’s just an hour away, you’re giving up the people you knew you could call to have them rescue you from a flat tire (or screaming child). You no longer have the option to drop a baby off with a trusted friend just up the road or in the neighborhood. You have to start from scratch.
My first instinct was to treat Morganton like Charlotte so I hopped online and began Googling/ Facebooking/ Instagramming mommy groups, playdate communities, or online networks to join. To my shock, I came up nearly empty-handed. Short of a cold introduction to a stranger via Facebook (if you’re nodding along, please find me & connect!), I didn’t find the community of 10k+ moms in the Charlotte mommy group. Or the neighborhood resources for parents. Or the parenting magazines.
Though I’m a digital marketer (and now you might understand more about my approach to community!), I typically fall into a bit of an introverted personality. Basically, I didn’t run up to other moms at the park and say hello because I didn’t want to bother or annoy anyone. If you’ve ever felt this way, this post on mom dating is hilarious.
So, very long story short(ened), I did eventually connect with the MOMs group (no longer active in this town) and attend a few playdates. They were mainly awkward and disastrous from my perspective (there may have been an ant incident and another time involving child vomit), but I did meet some great moms and pick up a few helpful tips (like a preschool and parents’ morning out program that is awesome and the best library story times).
I now (after 3 1/2 years) feel comfortable and at home in Morganton. But, I have not forgotten what it felt like to be an outsider. Anytime I see a mom (online or even in real life!) looking a bit lost or unsure, I’ve tried to extend a hand. And, that is what this group is all about.
I’m working with Becky and other moms, dads, grandparents, and more in the area to try to help newcomers find what they need – support, childcare, tips, friends, babysitters, whatever – faster and help those of us who already live here to have a place to share information (in a better way than yelling back and forth in the car lines at school!).
So, welcome to Morganton Moms. Please tell us what you need, how we can help, or just vent to us. We’re here for you and each other – because it truly takes a village.