At school like anywhere else, some people have more affinities and become friends. That’s nothing new. What’s new for you is the fact that these people meet at your child’s school while your children play and learn together.
When moms become friends, their children get looked after together, do homework with each other and prepare school projects that sometimes are much more inspired than that of those who worked alone. A mom who sees that could wonder if she should make an effort and ask other parents over now and then. On the other hand, introverted moms perceive all these social efforts as a burden. Do you really have to make friends at school, too?
New encounters
School gives you the opportunity to hang out with people who are at the same point as you are. Even your best friend doesn’t know what your child’s teacher is like, how funny the principal is and who does what at the Parent Association. Stories give you something in common, extracurricular activities too, and it gives you something to talk about in the morning. That’s a great aspect of school.
In the meantime, you meet the little brothers and sisters, and you see how your children play together. It’s almost a family moment and these sweet times reassure you about your child’s school years.
“Would you like to go shopping?”
Things get complicated when your friendship leaves the school. Five things could happen:
- You are chuffed to find such a good friend with whom you can pick apples and share secrets.
- Your new friend is okay, but you don’t have much in common outside of school.
- Your friend is awesome but your children don’t get along.
- You don’t have mom friends at school, and you feel rejected.
- You don’t have mom friends and you don’t want any.
A friend… or not
If you found a friend for life, good for you! You can meet new BFFs everywhere and finding one is always good news.
However, you could realize that your new friend isn’t one. Perhaps she’s overwhelming or maybe she avoids you. In both cases, you should avoid confrontations at all costs. Arguing parents always have an impact in the schoolyard because your kids aren’t blind. You should also avoid talking behind your friend’s back because it sets a very bad example.
Our children don’t get along
If your children don’t get along, you don’t have to force them; you can very well be friends without imposing your friendship. Meet without the kids or let them play on their own. After a while, they could discover common grounds but in the meantime, it’s not worse than having a single friend.
