New city anxiety???

I recently moved here from Ohio with my 1 year old daughter…. But the traffic here is sooooo intimidating, it makes me not want to leave the house. I will sometimes sit inside for weeks on end. I’m a SAHM who goes to school full time (my bf works so I can finish my degree), and it’s just me and my little one. Anyway, back home I was out almost EVERY day, had a full time job, was very social, had many friends and a big family. I have been a social butterfly my entire life. Now I’m in a huge city, I feel super isolated, and it’s causing me a great deal of anxiety. I feel like I can’t make friends because I always have my toddler with me! I have started suffering panic attacks that I think stem from being confined too much, and from not having any connections outside of my boyfriend and toddler. I need all of you who have lived here longer to suggest activities/events/places I can take my daughter with just the two of us. I don’t know where to start with baby friendly activities, as I haven’t found a sitter or drop-in center here yet. Also, I’m sorry if you see this and I haven’t replied to your personal message; I was seeking out a therapist to cope with my anxious feelings before connecting with new people. 🩷

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I’m familiar with Naylor Gardens DMV my neck of the woods,I can’t stand the traffic here it’s beyond crazy they give anybody a license these days it’s pathetic!! I’m on mommy mode 25/8. It’s plenty of kids friendly spots 😩 sometimes or should I say most of the times the prices be straight up tweaking 🤦🏽‍♀️

I hit the zoo frequently when I lived in the area. I was out every day myself with a February baby. I couldn’t stay inside. I avoided people until about 6 months old but I loved exploring DC!

Driving and parking in dc can be stressful while you get the hang of it, try to avoid times where there’s commuter traffic. The Smithsonian museums have a ton of family friendly activities. You can check their calendars or just stroll through on your own schedule. Any park will be a great place to hang out and meet other parents and kids. National Harbor and Old Town Alexandria are nice for walks and sitting by the waterfront. DC monuments typically have good parking available during the day, free to visit and the architecture is lovely. And you’re lucky to be here during cherry blossom season! Take your little one to see the flowers early in the day.

@Sophia thanks SO much for this comment! I’m a SAHM so any time of the day is explore time for us! I have been trying to time the traffic to see when it’s best to leave, so maybe we will try early morning.

I moved here from Michigan a couple of years ago and can relate. What i can say is that it gets better, the city will grow on you if you allow it and you’ll get used to things here.

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