How to Hang Out With Friends After They Have Children

Having a child is a life-changing event. Watching friends become parents can be a life changing too. Beer bottles are traded in for baby bottles and spontaneous road trips become a thing of the past. Learning how to hang out with friends after they have children takes a little time and understanding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Prepare yourself for the inevitable changes that will take place. Once the big announcement is made, know that a major shift in priorities is on the horizon. The sooner you accept these changes, the better off you'll be.
2. Be excited; or at least act like you're excited. Even if you're not exactly thrilled with the big news, remain supportive, interested and involved in your friend's life at this momentous time.
3. Offer your help throughout the pregnancy and after the baby is born. New parents are overwhelmed with new duties and responsibilities.
4. Respect your friend's new lifestyle. As a new parent, their priorities and demands have changed. Joining you for a night at the movies isn't as easy as it once was. Don't take it personally.
5. Find common ground. Steer conversations to topics of mutual interest and propose child-friendly activities. Accept the fact that hanging out now revolves around the children.
6. Extend invitations to your friend, especially on a group outing, even if you don't think your friend can make it. It's worse to make her feel excluded.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't resent your friend for changing or cast judgment. Remember why you're friends in the first place.
• Refrain from giving advice on child-rearing. Unless asked, keep the comments to yourself.
• Don't be taken advantage of. Offer to babysit or help out, but don't become a daycare center.