Parenting is a unique journey for everyone. Even when our parenting philosophies align, our approaches can differ widely. Each of us brings our own personality and our children have their distinct quirks. There’s no detailed guide that fits every family perfectly—real parenting is about being flexible, thinking on your feet, and navigating the chaos that kids bring into our lives.
While I’m not bothered by differing parenting styles, there are certain traits I value in fellow parents—qualities that signal to me that we’ll likely hit it off:
- You embrace humor.
- You can laugh about your kids.
- You find the funny side of parenting.
- You throw playful jabs at your kids (not directly to them).
- You occasionally tease your kids, but in a way that’s subtle enough they don’t catch on.
- You don’t stress about screen time, junk food, or too much TV.
- You generally keep your cool.
- You recognize that parenting is a bit of a gamble.
- You don’t spoil your kids with every request, which saves me from looking like the bad guy.
- You serve drinks at your kids’ birthday parties.
- You offer refreshments during playdates.
- You keep a stock of beverages handy.
- You get that beer gardens are enjoyable for both parents and kids.
- You let a curse word slip from time to time.
- You support vaccinations.
- You’re not a fan of certain political figures.
- You’re non-judgmental.
- You refrain from giving unsolicited parenting advice.
- You know when it’s better to say “yes.”
- You don’t allow your kids to watch Caillou.
- You let them enjoy Star Wars.
- You understand why my car is cluttered.
- You know the reason behind my messy house.
- Your car is just as chaotic as mine.
- Your home is not exactly spotless.
- You’re totally okay with the mess in both your car and house.
Having these traits certainly helps foster a connection, but not having them doesn’t mean we can’t get along!
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Summary
In summary, while every parent’s style may differ, certain qualities can foster camaraderie among us. A sense of humor, understanding the messiness of life, and a laid-back attitude can go a long way in building friendships with fellow parents.