Different parenting methods than friends

[sjclarke86]

This isn't a personal situation but one a friend is going through, I think ill probably go through the same with my SIL. I'm 20 weeks and she has a 9 month old. Anyway my friend is quite keen that her dd eats healthy and her dd loves fruit, I mean I have never seen a kid ask for fruit as much as her. She was out with a friend at 10.30, her friend had taken sweets for her children - one of which same age as friend - 5yo. She offered some to my friends dd and she looked at my friend as if to ask, my friend said no its too early, dd was fine, she just had some pineapple. Then her friend said you make me feel like such a bad mother!!!! IMO I think that's rude to say, you can't expect someone to change their beliefs to suit you and not make you feel uncomfortable.

How would you react to someone saying this to you? Or have you been in the other position?

[givemeaclue]

I wouldn't take it seriously or particularly pay attention to it

[Hassled]

I met my closest friend at a post-natal group with our DSs who are now both nearly 15. We could not possibly parent more differently - to the extent that we can joke about it. Whatever I think is the right approach, she'll have a different one. She whisks her kids to the doctor if they so much as sneeze, I'm ridiculously overprotective when it comes to playing out/road crossing etc - and there's way more.

My point is we're still close friends. Her DCs are happy and thriving, as are mine. Unless you think something they're doing is actually neglect, you suck it up and base your friendship on the person, not the parenting.

[sjclarke86]

My friend doesn't ever think her way is best. It's all just very personal on how you want to bring up your children. I just think its strange to say that my friend made her feel like a bad mum, very awkward.

[givemeaclue]

She may have meant it as a joke I think we have all said that at some point. I wouldn't take it seriously , you'll say it yourself at some point!