As a physician, I’ve encountered countless parents who brace themselves for the inevitable day their little one befriends a child whose behavior leaves much to be desired. But what happens when the parents are delightful, yet their child’s antics are enough to make anyone cringe? No matter how close your bond is, there’s only so many times you can address incidents like “Your child just threw my son’s favorite toy out the window” before the friendship feels strained.
How do you communicate to a friend that their child is truly challenging? Sometimes, a little honesty goes a long way. Keeping that in mind, I’ve penned a light-hearted letter to assist you in navigating this tricky conversation. (Note: This letter is meant for humorous purposes only. Always approach your friends and their children with kindness, regardless of how difficult they may be. That said, we all know a kid like this, so enjoy the whimsical thought.)