How to Be Friends with Someone Who Has Kids when You Don't

Becoming friends with someone who has kids when you don't can seem like a daunting task at first, but it is entirely possible. Here are some tips on how to make this work:

1. Be understanding: Recognize that your friend's priorities have shifted with the arrival of their children. They may not be able to be as spontaneous or available as they were before.

2. Offer to help: Ask your friend if there is anything you can do to help out. Maybe they need a break from parenting duties or someone to watch their kids while they run errands.

3. Be flexible: Be willing to work around your friend's schedule. They may need to plan activities or outings around their children's schedules or nap times.

4. Find common ground: Look for activities that you both enjoy and that can include the children. For example, you could go to a park or playground together.

5. Respect boundaries: Understand that your friend may have different boundaries around their children than you are used to. Ask them how they prefer to handle situations like discipline or screen time.

6. Be patient: Remember that building a friendship takes time, and it may take longer to get to know your friend's children. Be patient and keep working at it.

7. Don't make assumptions: Just because your friend has children doesn't mean that they only want to talk about parenting. Ask them about their interests and hobbies outside of their children.

Overall, being friends with someone who has kids when you don't requires a little bit of extra effort and understanding, but it can be a rewarding experience. By being open-minded and flexible, you can build a strong friendship that benefits everyone involved.