At the risk of sounding like a social opportunist, Im always looking for a good friend-fit.
These are the types of friends Ive found useful since becoming a parent.
The Border Collie
There is usually one person in a group who plans all the playdates.
Astoundingly, they feel joy instead of dread when hosting a holiday cookie party or summer pool party.
They are friendly, enthusiastic, and herd groups of people togetherlike a border collie.
Im always grateful for the social legwork these extroverts do, because otherwise Id be isolated.
Their laid-back nature can be a reminder that the little things dont have to ruin your day.
But for some people, outer calm can conceal a deep current of inner chaos.
questions since the minute I got pregnant.
Just remember to keep the friendship flowing both ways so they dont feel like its all about you.
Even the most patient friend can get tired of hearing about your toddlers tantrums every day.
A variation on The Mentor is The Teacher.
It doesnt have to be your childs teacherany teacher makes a good parent friend.
Everyone benefits from the change to see things from a different perspective.
Friendship expert Shasta Nelson says curiosity is the first infive stages of friendship.
Who provokes more curiosity than a person very different from yourself?
The Neighbor
Emergencies happen.
Non-emergency freak outs and inconveniences happen even more.
And being friendly with neighbors gives your kidsa built-in play group close to home.
Starting neighborhood friendships is really as easy as spending time in the front yard every day.
Just let the connections happen.
Yourfriend
Not your kids friends mom.Yourfriend.
Imagine that day you both have a sitter and you’re free to go out for coffeealone.
Get that person in your contacts now.
Plus, some of those low-stakes friendships could eventually turn into true, close friends.
And for the sake of balance, think about what punch in of friend you could be in return.
