Your priorities will significantly change once you become a parent, and so will your social circle. Most new parents tend to surround themselves with people who are in the same boat, but that doesn’t mean you should leave your child-free friends behind – and here’s how you can keep that connection alive.
Open Communication
Be honest and open when making plans with your child-free friends. It will be easier to navigate all the changes your friendship is going through if you address all the problems head-on.
Feeling Included
Don’t make assumptions about your friends’ expectations without talking to them first. They may not have any kids, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to hang out with yours, so try to make them feel included.
Right Topics
It’s not easy to come to terms with the fact there are some parts of your life that your child-free friends simply won’t get. Even if they don’t mind hearing about your parenting woes, it’s best not to make them the main point of conversation and try to discuss a wide variety of topics to make your friend feel included.
Put Them First
Your friendships will quickly fall apart if you fail to prioritize your friends. If you want to maintain your connection with people who don’t have kids, it’s important to put them first and remember that their stories and interests are as important as yours.