People pleasing

J - posted on 06/09/2010

Thanks for the replies, I know I shouldn't concern myself too much, and yes I want her to be safe. I'm not looking forward to sleep overs at peoples home's I do not know , more motherly worrying

Lyndsay - posted on 06/09/2010

I don't think you have to be friends, per se, but it is important to keep communication flowing with these people if they are families that your daughter spends time with. Like if she goes to their house after school, or has sleepovers, that type of thing.

Amber - posted on 06/08/2010

I think you should know them in the context of their parenting styles and abilities. I know when I was growing up my mom absolutely did not like the mother of my best friend as a person, but she knew she was a good, responsible parent and that I would be safe with her.
As long as you're comfortable with the safety and treatment of your child then I don't think you have to be best friends with them.

Amy - posted on 06/08/2010

We have this problem to an extent as we live in a very upmarket area. There are some wonderful, educated people around but there are a lot of pretentious wannabes as well who are just on an entirely different planet. Some day my daughter's probably going to become friends with the child of someone like that, and I can tell I'll be biting my tongue a lot.

You don't need to be friends - it's great if it works out, but I've also seen the downside of that when the kids have spats - my bestie is the daughter of a friend of my mum. I'd aim for 'trusted acquaintance'. Think of it a bit like a business transaction - you don't really have to warm to everyone you deal with, but if things go smoothly everyone benefits.

Shannon - posted on 06/07/2010

I think you should know them at least well enough to feel comfortable letting your daughter go for a sleep-over or what-not. But, being super best friends isn't necessary.

Erin - posted on 06/07/2010

I think that you should know some things about them especially if they are going to each other's homes. I don't think you have to be friends but just cordial to each other.

Jocelyn - posted on 06/07/2010

I don't think you have to be "bbf's (look at me and my texting slang :P lmao) but I would at least try to be acquaintances with them. You don't have to have deep meaningful conversations, but general chitchat with things you have in common (ie the kids school, the weather etc) should be happening. I would just try to be nice and pleasant, but I wouldn't go out of my way.

Amy - posted on 06/07/2010

My parents were never "friends" with any of my friends parents, but they did take the time to get to know them especially if I was going to spend the night or time at there place. Just trying to get to know them and be friendly is all you really "need" to do. If you happen to become great friends with them that's just an added bones!

Carolee - posted on 06/07/2010

I don't think you have to be friends with them, just as long as everybody is cordial to one another.