Making new friends as an adult can be easier said than done.
Making new friends as an adult can be easier said than done. As children, we were spoiled for choice as we were immersed in so many different social situations that helped us to make friends: school, the playground and birthday parties to name a few.
As an adult, our day to day life is more structured in nature. We have places to go and people to see which leaves very little time for unplanned chitchat, the zone where friendships tend to be born.
When you become a parent it can feel like a struggle to maintain your existing friendships. You are less available as you find your flow in this brand new life role.
You may now struggle to relate to some of the things that used to fuel those friendships such as nights out and long days of shopping.
For this reason, it may seem completely bizarre to even think about making new friends but there really are so many benefits.
Here are ten good reasons to make parent friends.
1. If you are reluctant because you feel it will negatively impact your current friendships remember that you are now available at different times and for different things. You won’t be offending a current friend by meeting a new friend for coffee while on maternity leave. Chances are your pals are in work anyway.
2. It is really important to spend time around people that understand you. People who have or have had children can teach you a thing or two or feel more relatable at the very least.
3. These new friends are available when you are so it just makes sense! You may as well be changing bums and sipping coffee with another person.
4. It is good for your children’s development to spend time with other children. They might just grow up to be friends too.
5. Believe it or not, they like to talk about things other than their children. The kids can happily play while you discuss the latest episode of your favourite show or have a bit of a gossip.
6. People with children tend to love food. I don’t know what it is but you have a whole new appreciation for grub when you become a parent. Meeting new friends that have children generally means more food and that is never a bad thing.
7. There is NOTHING like a bit of relationship chat with a fellow mum. Relationships can go through a lot of stress and change when children come along so it’s good to de-brief, get some perspective and realize that you are not alone.
8. If a disaster or an emergency strikes with one of the kids another parent is a very calming force because chances are they’ve been there before.
9. When you have to cancel plans last minute parents tend to be very forgiving. They understand that things can go pear-shaped when it comes to naps and tantrums.
10. Parent friends have the goods. If you run out of baby wipes or forget your spare baby grow they’ll be the best person to hook you up.
Tracey is mammy to four-year-old Billy and due her second any day now. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can follow her on Instagram.
