samedi 1 avril 2017
10 Things You Should Never Say to Your Childless Friends
If it hasn't already started happening, it's only a matter of time before your group of friends will have another group . . . of babies. It's a fun, exciting time, especially when you start to arrange playdates, but for those pals in your circle who are still child-free, dinner parties get more than a little awkward when the conversation turns to "so, have you thought about kids?" To help make your childless friends feel more comfortable, here are some comments you should never make, no matter how good your intentions.
- But you are so good with children, and you love my kids!: Using this phrase as a reason your friend should have a baby is illogical. Even though you may mean it as a compliment, just because she is great with kids and loves another person's child doesn't necessarily mean she wants one of her own. At the end of the day, she's not responsible for all the less-fun activities of raising a baby like potty training or waking up in the middle of the night.
- Trust me, it's all worth it in the end: While any parent can agree the end is definitely worth it, you shouldn't tell your friends what you think is or isn't worth their time. Let them decide. They might completely disagree with you and think the road to raising a kind and mature adult is not worth the struggles.
- What do your parents think?: Don't bring up the baby conversation if it concerns your friend and her parents. What they talk about is off limits unless she initiates the topic. You don't know what her parents are thinking, and you could stir up some unwanted feelings.
- Thanks for the advice, but you're not a mom: She might not be a mother, but she just wants to help, especially if you talk about parenting stuff offhandedly. For unsolicited advice, a better reply would be simply saying thank you and leaving it at that no matter how strongly you disagree. Sometimes parents do know better than people without children, but reserve your judgments for private.
- I didn't think you would want to come . . . it was a party with all parents and kids: Whether it's your child's first birthday or 10th, extend an invite to your close friends, even if it's going to be all parents and children. They'll appreciate you at least kept them in mind. Childless people love a good party too!
Articles
0 comments:
Enregistrer un commentaire