Stale friendships?

[NewYearMoos]

Just wanted some opinions really.

There are a group of 6 of us. Were 7 but one moved away. We all have DCs aged 4, and nearly all of us have one more now too.

We met at a babygroup 3.5 years ago. We've done some day things, evening things, with kids, without, gone to each others weddings etc etc.

However, I seem to be struggling to stay friends with them. I just dont feel I have much in common anymore.

My DS is one of the eldest, so already at school whilst theirs dont start until September. My DS2 is also 1 year older than any of the babies.

I just dont seem to "fit" anymore. I'm the only single one. I disagree with a lot of the parenting choices they make (which understandably they disagree with mine I'm sure)

Just as an example its stuff like alcohol. They went to the park in the summer in the afternoon and drunk wine out of plastic cups. One yesterday was letting her 1yr old DS drink out her champagne glass etc. They're just examples of course, but theres more to it.

Is it normal to kind of drift away from a group of friends after a few years? I'm only really close to 1 or 2 out the group now, but just find myself making excuses to not meet up anymore.

Should I try and get overmyself do you think or just let the friendships drift?

Let them drift I'd say. You always know when friendships have run their course, no point in dragging them out if it isn't working for you any longer. Simply take the time you'd usually put into the ones that aren't working and use it to seek out new friends :)

I would go for letting them drift too. It is hard spending time with people who make different parenting choices to you. You just feel you don't fit and it stops you feeling comfortable.

If you have a child in school, I would try and make friends with the schoolmums in reception - some of them might also have babies so you could suggest meeting up for a walk and coffee. You will be 'with them' for years so worth getting to know them.

I'm not the best person to advise as the idea of spending days with other mothers and their babies fills me with horror.

However, they were good for you for a time, now that time has passed. You have outgrown them, and that's fine. The champagne thing is just stupid btw, imagine giving that to a baby, their little brains are still developing!

Don't feel bad, just find some new friends/interests. I joined the local threatre toddlers class and met some great women who share my interests and the kids love the drama group.

Do you know the saying 'People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime'? It seems to fit your situation.