The question posed was,"how do friendships change when you don't have children and your friends do?".

I can certainly sympathize with you on this subject. When I was younger I eventually lost friends due to them becoming parents and starting to associate with other parents. I was not a mother and eventually discovered that I would never become a parent. Of course my friends and I tried to stay friends but people often befriend others like themselves.

Long lasting friends are difficult to keep,especially today,when there are people moving so often in search of work or job transfers. People often change and friendships must go trough transitions too,if they are to survive.

Becoming a parent means having "play dates", going to teacher conferences and getting involved with the PTA. There's not much in common for childless friends. After all "birds of a feather flock together" as we've all heard. It's so true.

Probably the easiest way to stay connected is to offer your friends some relief from time to time and babysit their children. Another way to stay connected is for someone else to watch the children so you can continue to do some of the activities that you both enjoyed before children arrived.

Making Time for Friends

When a friend,long time or not,becomes a parent,the dynamics of the friendship certainly do change. if they are a single parent, then it may be a little easier to remain close. Often times a spouse will not get along with a friend and vice-versa.I have found that the spouse may either become a help or hindrance.Some husbands may use the children to "guilt" the wife into staying home and not pursuing their friendship with you.

Jealousy

There are spouse or committed couples who are jealous of that special bond you may have with a long time friend.They can sabotage a friendship and try to come between you two,with all sorst of ridiculous reasons. Unfortunately,it's not uncommon for a jealous insecure spouse to give an ultimatum.

I had this happen and it is hurtful and frustrating to have a jealous spouse.Yeah,I know,some men are good with the friendships. For the most part,men don't seem to let children or spouses get in the way of their friendships.. We women do.

Older But Wiser

As children and parents age,friendships may change as well. As I grew older I was fortunate to re connect with friends from my past. They didn't have the same priorities or maybe they divorced and had more time. Friendships go through a lot of changes,much like a marriage. if two people are determined to keep that special bond alive,then it will continue,otherwise,no.

In a nutshell,it's not easy being friends with those who have children, when you don't.

A lot depends on your stage of life, the age of the kids, spouses, gender,culture.......