To think most people just tolerate other peoples kids?

[Intodegtion]

My friend is upset I’m not more enthusiastic about her child, she has a five year old and while she’s a nice little girl its just not my style to make a big fuss over kids and get up in their face looking for kisses and cuddles. I do buy them gifts, and talk to her when I see them and get down on the floor to play if she wants me to but I’m there to see my friend primarily and am enjoying the time I get with her alone if we get to nip out to the pub or a cafe for an hour or so, without her child.

My friend told me it makes her sad I’m not more loving and that I don’t make more of a fuss of her daughter, she’s also said she feels this way when other people and family members aren’t all excited about her child and that she feels disappointed in that.

Isn’t it the case that wee kids while cute are quite often kind of annoying or boring to everyone but their parents and other kids? I’m pretty sure my friend has also aired similar views about other peoples kids in the past as well before she became a mum.

I enjoyed playing/interacting with my friends' kids before I had DD and I still do. They don't bother me or ruin anything for me. They are part of our lives now and we do activities/things that are child friendly.

No one thinks other peoples kids are as cute as their parents do.

I had one friend whose child did musical theatre and the last thing I wanted to do was listen to precious Ellie (not her real name) sing when we were meant to be having a grown up chat.

Ick

But are you suggesting meeting up at a time when you'll have your kid with you but hers is in nursery? Because that would also be an absolute no for me. I prefer to see my friends when neither of us have our children with us, will accept a meet-up when we both have our children with us, but would be horrified at the idea of having their children with us when I had childcare!