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Friendship And The Kid Factor – In the Chicago Tribune

Whether you’re a seasoned mom, a new mom, a mom-to-be or happily childfree, you’re sure to encounter the effects of parenthood on your friendships. Girlfriend-in-Chief Dawn was interviewed recently for an article in today’s Chicago Tribune that explores how to keep friendships strong despite the changes that come when one friend has a baby. You can keep your friendships alive, as long as you’re armed with dedication and understanding. Here’s an excerpt from the article:

3 tips for navigating a complicated friendship:

Take a class together. “Something that is ongoing so you don’t just meet once for coffee,” says GirlfriendCelebrations.com founder Dawn Bertuca. “It’s something you can look forward to and something you’ll continue to develop in common that has nothing to do with whether you have children or not.”

Remember birthdays. Parents often let their own birthdays come and go without fanfare, but friends without kids often still have the time (and disposable income) to toast their big day. Don’t assume your friend has adopted your birthday policy. In either case, your friend will appreciate a card or phone call from his or her pal.

Listen. “It’s important to remember not to talk about your kids all night,” Bertuca says. “On the other hand if you don’t have kids, be patient and let your friend talk about their kids a little bit.”

There’s much more HERE so click on over and read the entire article by Tribune Newspapers Reporter Heidi Stevens.


3 Comments

  1. I think I lost a friendship or three b/c of my kid. They couldn’t stand the idea that I had one and they did not. nothing I could do about that. I tried very hard to play down that I had a kid but there is only so much I could do, you know?

    Also, my divorce didn’t seem to make them want to be around me much either.

    Nothing I could do about that.

    Oh well.

    Comment by Jessica — April 11, 2010 @ 11:48 am

  2. Hey, Jessica,
    Thanks for your comment. You are right, there’s only so much you can do when someone doesn’t want to be friends anymore. When people go through life changes, such as having a child, it’s a natural time to make new friends. I hope you’ve found some new “mom” friends!

    Comment by Dawn — April 13, 2010 @ 1:30 pm

  3. One of the best (and cheapest!) way to keep in touch with friends and let them know we care is to send them a hand-written card or note. Something with a stamp on it and arrives with the bills and the junkmail and surprises the heck out of them.

    April is National Card and Letter Writing Month. I encourage everyone to join in!

    Last week I stocked up on all kinds of pretty stamps at the post office – some fun note cards and different colored sharpies to make it easier and more colorful to write.

    The other fun thing about sending cards and letters is that you’ll get some back … When was the last time you got a love letter in the mail?

    Cheers,

    Viveca

    P.S. The Post Office is releasing a new stamp at the end of the month to support our pet rescues and shelters. Yippee!

    Comment by Viveca from FatigueBeGone — April 13, 2010 @ 4:31 pm

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