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What Friendship Looks Like After Becoming a Parent
They say every friendship has its purpose and timing, but the phase after you have kids can be quite the puzzle. As families expand, kids often consume the bulk of our time and energy. That rare moment of kid-free time usually goes toward nurturing our romantic relationships or sneaking in some much-needed self-care. Juggling everything can make it difficult to prioritize friends, yet ironically, friendships become even more crucial after becoming a parent. We all need that one person we can text in the middle of the night when we feel overwhelmed. We deserve a circle of friends who uplift us, cheer us on, and make us laugh until we can’t breathe.
If you want your friendships to endure even as life gets busy with kids, here are some key traits to cultivate:
- Thoughtful
A good friend pops by after your little one arrives. A great friend shows up with takeout (in a container they don’t want back), walks your dog, and asks when they can babysit. Friends should genuinely care for each other’s well-being and act on it. - Good Listeners
We all need someone to vent to and share ideas with. Friends should actually listen, not just wait for their turn to speak. Even if you’re retelling your birth story for the tenth time, they should be all ears. - Understanding
Great friends recognize the whirlwind of parenting. They’re okay with communicating via texts or late-night emails and won’t judge you if you flake out on plans—because they know life can be chaotic. - Dependable
While friends don’t always have to be around, the ones who show up when you need them the most are invaluable. Sometimes life throws curveballs, and we need that support to help us pick up the pieces. - Helpful
Once, my pals Sarah and Mike came over to watch the kids while I snuck off to the movies solo (pure bliss!). When I returned, the kids were happy, and my house was clean. I tried to pay them for babysitting, but they wouldn’t take it. They just wanted to help because that’s what great friends do! - Open-Minded
You should feel free to share anything without fear of judgment. You can confess about hiding in the pantry with a bottle of wine for a breather and your friends should just nod and offer you more wine. - Honest
Real friends don’t sugarcoat things but are also not just critical for the sake of it. They keep it real, and that mutual respect strengthens your bond. - Trustworthy
This is especially important for parents. A friendship without complete trust is likely to falter. - Fun!
Life can be tough, so friends should bring joy and laughter. Sure, there will be tears, but the best friendships are the ones that leave you laughing so hard you might just pee your pants—which, let’s be honest, is a real possibility after having kids.
Friends are the ones we lean on during tough times. They support us and celebrate our successes. Every parent needs good friends, and the great ones stick around no matter how many kids you have. For more insights and tips on navigating parenthood, check out this piece on artificial insemination kits and consider visiting the CDC for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, nurturing friendships after becoming a parent requires thoughtfulness, understanding, and humor. The bonds that last are those that bring joy amid the chaos of family life.