Where do you meet up with your non-parent friends?

[BertieBotts]

I am quite young and one of the first in my friendship group to have children. However I am finding that as DS is getting older, I can't go and meet friends for coffee etc, unless there is something for him to do such as a play area. Unfortunately there are no coffee shops in my local area which have play areas. I understand him being bored and would love to be able to meet friends somewhere where I can chat with them and he has something to do, but I can't think of anywhere - I don't feel it is appropriate to bring a childless friend to a playgroup for example.

What does everyone else do? Do you just meet up at each others' houses? Do you take toys for your DC and find them a quiet corner of a coffee shop? Which toys are good for this? He is a bit old to sit happily in a highchair for any length of time but too young for colouring etc. And obviously too cold/wet for meeting in the park at the moment.

bump

Hi, to be honest I've lost touch with a lot of my non-parent friends since having ds1 22 months old. And haven't seen many of them at all since having ds2 7 months old! I find inviting them to my house for lunch/ a drink is easier so ds can play as he likes. But I've found that invites from them are now very rare!!

It's probably better to see your non-children friends without your LO? Maybe for a meal out/drinks/cinema in the evening etc?? I'm 26, many of my friends of a similar age are not parents yet, and children are the furthest thing from their minds!!

I've found that I now prefer to spend my time with friends who have LO's a similar age as it's just soooo much easier.

Thanks for your reply I probably should have said in my OP but I have recently come out of an emotionally abusive relationship and am trying to get back in touch with old friends. They don't mind DS being around, but I just find it quite stressful to invite people around to my place because it's always such a mess And don't have a lot of opportunity to go out in the evening due to lack of money and childcare.

Sorry to hear that, it must be very difficult. Obviously it's important then to keep your friendships and support around you strong

How old is your DS? Does he still have a nap in the day? You could maybe tire him out with a group in the morning and arrange to meet a friend whilst he'll be having a sleep in stroller? Then when he wakes offer him lunch or a snack to keep him amused a while longer?

When the weather gets better a pub garden is a good place to meet. Lots have play areas and some have bouncy castles. Even just somewhere with some grass to run around on. It's always easier outdoors and alcohol helps too!

Oh that is a good idea MamaVoo

mamasunshine, he is 15 months old and that does sound workable, definitely. I think I tend to feel I am "wasting" his nap if I am out as I don't get any time to myself otherwise, but it wouldn't be wasted if I was meeting up with someone, so good suggestion, thanks