Life Kit: Parenting How to maintain your friendships after kids
May 6, 2025
Join reporter Emily Siner as she navigates the complex world of friendships post-kids. With insights from three experts, she tackles the myth that child-free friends don’t want to hang out. Discover creative strategies for keeping connections alive, the necessity of communication, and how to include non-parents in family life. Emily also discusses the importance of scheduled ‘parent time off’ and embracing diverse friendships to maintain a balanced life. Get ready for some refreshing ideas on sustaining your social circle!
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Mariah Maddox's Parental Isolation
- Mariah Maddox felt loneliness being the first parent in her friend group after having a child.
- She also felt excluded as others assumed she'd be too busy for plans.
Mutual Hurt in Friendships
- Both parents and non-parents often feel ignored by each other during different life stages.
- This mutual hurt comes from assumptions and lack of communication.
Communicate Clearly in Friendships
- Communicate clearly about your availability and interest to maintain friendships across life stages.
- Explicitly say you value the friendship even if you must decline invitations.