They say every friendship has its purpose and timing. The phase after becoming a parent, however, can be a whirlwind. As families expand, our little ones consume nearly all our time and energy. The rare moments we manage to snag without kids often go toward nurturing our romantic bonds or grabbing a well-deserved break for ourselves.
It’s tough to squeeze in time for friends amidst the chaos. Yet, the irony is that once you enter the world of parenting, friendships become even more crucial. We all need that one friend to text at 2 AM when we’re hanging on by a thread. We deserve a crew that supports us, lifts our spirits, and makes us laugh until we can’t breathe.
So, how do we keep our friendships thriving while juggling the demands of parenthood? Here are some essential ingredients:
- Considerate
A true friend shows up with a home-cooked meal after your baby arrives, while a fabulous friend brings food in a dish you won’t have to return, walks your dog, and inquires when they can babysit. Friends should act in each other’s best interests, no matter how busy life gets. - Good Listeners
We all need a sounding board for our rants and raves. Friends should attentively listen, not just wait for their turn to chime in. Even if you’re sharing your birth story for the tenth time, a good friend is there to hear you out. - Understanding
Great friends get the craziness of parenting. They’re okay with connecting through texts or late-night emails. They won’t judge you when you bail on plans—after all, life happens! Friends know that you don’t have to see each other every week to remain close. - Reliable
While it’s true that friends don’t need to be together all the time, great friends are the ones who show up when you need them the most. Sometimes, life throws us curveballs, and we need help picking up the pieces. Good friends recognize those moments and drop everything to lend a hand. - Helpful
I once had two amazing friends, Lisa and Sarah, who came over to watch my kids while I snuck off to the movies solo (two glorious hours of silence, thank you very much!). When I returned, not only were the kids happy, but my house was spotless! I offered them money for babysitting, but they just wanted to help because that’s what friends do. - Open-Minded
With friends, you should feel free to spill your deepest secrets without fear of judgment. Want to confess that you hid in the pantry with a bottle of wine for a breather? Go ahead! True friends will understand and might even bring you more wine. - Honest
Real friends tell it like it is without being unnecessarily harsh. They keep it real, and that genuine nature fosters respect among you all. - Trustworthy
This is particularly vital for parents. If trust is shaky, the friendship won’t last. Trust solidifies bonds, especially when it comes to sharing your kiddos. - Fun!
Let’s face it: life can get heavy. Friends are there to lighten the mood and make you chuckle. Sure, there’ll be times for tears, but the best friendships are filled with laughter (and if you’re a parent, the chance of a little accidental pee-pee pants moment from laughing is much higher!).
Friends are our go-to people when life gets tough. They cheer us on and celebrate our successes. Every parent needs good friends, and the truly great ones will stick around, no matter how many kids you have.
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In summary, friendships may evolve after kids, but with a little thoughtfulness and humor, they can flourish into something even more beautiful.