Lawtons in OZ

...................have already posted onto the Welcome Forum, have been advised to say hello as I am currently living in North Sydney CBD. Myself, husband and 7 year old Daughter moved here 2 months ago.

Trying not to sound like some sad unhappy expat, finding life a little on the lonely side. I am a housewife and left my always busy working life back in the UK, in exchange to have more quality time with my girl.

In a nutshell and so not to bore the pants of anyone, would really like to meet others in the Sydney area. Perhaps there are other Belinda no mates who find themselves in a similar situation.

Thanks for reading, and look forward to hearing from you.

Amanda xxx

Dorothy

Take a look in the meetups section. I'm pretty sure there are some mum & toddler groups that get together there regularly. Scroll up a bit and you'll find the meetups.

HelenTD

Helping out with rosters at the school canteen or similar can start the ball rolling. Some people meet others through sport, gym or craft activities. It does take time, though, whereas if you find a group via this website, it is much quicker.

Lawtons in OZ

Many thanks for the responses, my daughter is 7 so I think a little too old for a Mum and Toddler group but thank you anyhow.

I have volunteered myself to help out in the classrooms at School, so should be helping this next week.

Have booked a couple of courses too, so looking forward to those

Thank you again

Amanda

Pollyana

Don't know Sydney very well, but if you have a look down the meet-up forum here - http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=95 you may find something near to you

eddie007

Don't know sidney either, but there's always the barbie if you're a bit bored and need cheering up.... Providing youre not too sensitive a soul...

Put yourself out there, go to the opening of an envelope if youre invited and things will soon buck up.... You get out of life here pretty much what you put into it... Much more than at home... Where we all probably had lifelong friendships on tap...

Lawtons in OZ

Cheers - many thanks for that

Lawtons in OZ

Not a sensitive soul most def not - thanks will look in on the Barbie...............life long friends missed yes, but ready to make heaps more. Ta muchly

fish.01

Good luck....let us know how you get on!!

Pollyana

Just jump in and give it all you've got, most of us are reasonably non-scary...at times....

SamG

Hey Amanda - don't despair!! Many of us have been in your position. Things will pick up when your involvement at school starts and you become a more familiar face at school drop off and pick up. Do you feel comfortable going along to any P&C meetings? There are lots of ways to get involved at school that needn't overwhelm you and you can meet a diverse range of people there.

Do you have a class list yet? If you don't then get one (it's a list of class members and their address/phone numbers/emails), if you do then make some calls and set up a few playdates for your daughter and invite the mums to stay for a coffee.

You said you have some courses coming up - things will get better then too. Does your daughter have any after school activities? Any opportunities there for you to connect with any other mums?

In my experience no-one will come to you so you need to put yourself out there and Aussies appreciate someone who's willing to do that.

Good luck, like I said a lot of us have been there and with some patience and perserverence you'll feel more settled pretty soon. xx.

Lawtons in OZ

Ahhh thanks Sam,

Not so sure about the the P&C meetings just yet, might wait a wee while confidence not at that level.

Its very strange because if you were to ask my friends what kind of a person I am they would most def say, very outgoing and never scared of any situation and they laugh at my interrogation abilities.............all seems a little overwhelming here though.

I should be helping out at School this week in my Daughters class, I will put myself up for other activities too.

We do swimming lessons after school and last week one of the Mums actually came over to me and introduced herself, she said her little girl had told her that my girl was in the same class as her at school !!

I was so relived and wanted to hug her, I didn't of course

I realise I am the person to make it happen, I may get in touch with some Job Agencies and try for a Part Time role. Not used to the whole stay at home Mum thing.

Thanks again for your support - take care and keep in touch

Amanda

SamG

It's good that you're normally an outgoing person, you'll fit right in!! But you've hit the nail on the head when you say it seems overwhelming - of course it is - you're still adjusting your whole life to a new environment and as the stay-at-home-parent/spouse you're also supporting everyone else's transition too. Cut yourself some slack and think about what your expectations really are; you are, after all only a few months into it. I know it can feel lonely but it will get so much better.

So take a breath, I promise that things will get better once you're more active at school and you've organised a few playdates.

Ooh - quick thought. Does your daughter's school operate a 'Class Parent' system? This is someone who's responsible for - among other things - organising social events for the class (parent's dinners, bowling days, etc). If they do then you could get in touch with them and say you'd like to host a morning tea for mums or suggest a parent's dinner out at a local restaurant....

Anyway, sorry I'm not currently more local at the moment but feel free to pm me if it helps - I've been there

chris and farideh

Hi Amanda where about are you, we moved to Lindfield 4 months ago & I'm struggling too if you are near chatswood we could meet up for coffee & chat.

Darkest

Lawtons in OZ

Hi there, great to hear from you

I am living in North Sydney CBD, can you make it to Crows Nest ?

Let me know, or if you would prefer to meet elsewhere that's fine

Look forward to hearing from you

Amanda x