Welcome to Gaia! ::

Heyooo.
I was just curious if I am the only parent in this guild. I've got two precious little boys - we are attempting to conceive with our third and final child xo

I have one daughter. Her name is Illaria, and she'll be 2 in August. She's currently being monitored for Autism, and has genetic testing next month >.< I'm a concerned mother....

I have 2 little girls one is 5 and one just turned 1 on the 24th.

Hey parents, any tips on handling changing friendships with others who are also parents? My husband and I have noticed that some of our mutual (started as his) friends have become more negative and judgmental towards my husband because he has a different parenting style than they do.

I would say before you do anything, if you like these people. Sit down in a neutral environment (a coffee shop, etc) just the adults. Talk about how this not only effects you, but your kids too. Real friends will understand and try to change accordingly. If they can't honor your wishes, either slowly phase them out of your life, or come up with a whole bunch of activities that don't involve them. Your kid will adjust in time. However if they decide they won't stop criticizing etc.

Find local play groups for kids your age, on fb, there should be a ton. Or try your local community calendar for event for family friendly activities, you can even try local churches they have groups for parents and kids too. If your kid is great at making friends on his/her own try to strike up a conversation of the kid he/she is talking to. School events are great too, especially PTA or whatever it is called in your area. Met some great parents through there. smile Good luck.

Thanks for responding princess ammie and MissShadowCat. My husband has been thinking over this friendship, debating on how much we will do with this couple in the future. The problem is that he has been best friends with one of them (the husband) since they were in third grade. There is a lot of shared history between the two of them. Hopefully, we can take the idea of talking with them about how they are coming across so that it will stop.

Hopefully it will help. Some people really have no idea what they are saying is hurting you, sometimes it is just trying to help. Using phrases such as "I have observed, or I feel." These are taught in conflict resolution classes. You or your hubby could also use, "When you say things this way________, I feel that it means _____". Letting them know will help. If you want to still involve them and make them feel wanted in your life. You or your husband can ask for an opinion about small stuff, getting the kid into soccer, etc. Little things might help them feel included, but make sure they know that they should only give advice when you or your hubby ask.
Another tip, make your friends part of the solution, give them a way of coming up with solutions too. All of these tips help in almost any walk of life.

Have you received any news?