CLEVELAND — Most parents can relate to this: You and your best friend have babies at the same time. The expectation is that your kids will also be best friends. But then, as they get older, maybe those playdates don't go so well or the kids aren't getting along. Or maybe one even bullies the other.
In today’s Mom Squad, Maureen Kyle tackles how that can cause a deep friction in your own relationship with your friend. Relationship coach Kathy Dawson talks about how to approach the topic.
“You find a time to have a conversation with your friend, separate from the kids being there. And you say, 'You know I'm noticing some things. I just want to check in with you ... have you noticed anything? How do you think we're getting along here?' And see if they are in denial,” says Dawson.
That’s when the situation can get emotional or heated. Because some parents will be in denial that their child is causing an issue.
“And say, 'Here's what I'm noticing and I'm a little uncomfortable.' I love the word uncomfortable because you're taking ownership of how you feel. You're not blaming the child, you're not blaming the parent,” says Dawson.
Dawson says if your friend also sees some friction, then it's time to monitor the playdate and analyze how it went afterwards.
You can watch the entire episode below.
If you want to hear more of her advice, catch this episode on WKYC-Plus which you can find on Roku and Fire TV. You can also see mom squad on the WKYC YouTube channel.
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