Dear MapleWould,

We moved here almost 5 months ago. I'm a stay-at-home mom with a toddler and am finding it really hard to meet new friends out here. I still feel like I don't know my neighbors and I'm starting to worry that we made a mistake moving to the 'burbs. Any advice?

- Not-so-happy Maplewood Momma

Dear Not-so,

Yes! Right off the bat let me say that moving smack dab in the middle of winter is tough enough — especially the sort of winter we just had. Brutal.

Maplewood's a walking town, and I promise once the weather warms up, so will your feeling towards the community — which you'll find out in full force making the most of our parks, playgrounds, pool and shopping.

Really!

Cold weather makes everyone feel a tad isolated, a bit bundled and can create a barrier from even the closest of neighbors when you only see them running to and from their cars. Once people are venturing out into their backyards you'll be sure to see your new neighborhood in a sunnier, warmer light.

You mention having a toddler, many a Mom — Maplewoodian or not — will tell you that that can also be a very overwhelming and at times isolating experience. Your schedule is still largely dictated by naps and free time limited by access to childcare. It can be as taxing at times as it can be rewarding at others and is a huge adjustment for most, either which way. Add the stress of moving on top of that and no wonder you're feeling a bit unsettled.

For expert advice, I turned to Lucila McElroy, a life coach practicing in Maplewood and founder of MOMentum, which she created to help other moms reconnect with the personal potential outside of motherhood.

"Mothering is a huge undertaking and can be all-consuming, in both good and bad ways," says McElroy. "Many women find themselves at a bit of loss when it comes to keeping a sense of self once they become mothers and it can feel very overwhelming and even lonely at times."

To help you connect with other parents, McElroy suggests enrolling in classes geared towards toddlers like dancing, art and movement. To interact with other local mothers she suggests a group like MOMentum or Mothers & More. She also strongly recommends you make sure you step outside the 'Mommy' role by pursuing activities and interests that interested you before mothering, by exploring hobbies, continuing education, excercise classes or work with charities.

"By focusing inward and finding individual fulfillment, you'll radiate a more positive energy outwards and attract more positive energy into your life as a result," she explains.

You might also want to consider reaching out to one of the many houses of worship we have in town or the Ethical Culture Society to connect with a group of already connected folks!

I hope that helps and please keep us posted.