Psychologist Shares What To Do Before Letting A Friendship End Over Parenting Decisions

Is it time to take a step back? A psychologist shares some of the telltale signs a friendship's heading for the rocks.

Parents editor at HuffPost UK

This article features expert comment from psychologist Dr Sasha Hall.

Friendships end over all sorts of things – but have you ever called time on one over differing parenting choices?

That’s the dilemma one parent is facing, after they shared on Reddit that they “feel like an asshole” but are considering letting a six-year friendship with another parent fade.

“Both of us have a kid who is around 3 and I feel like I’m not aligned with this friend anymore,” they said. “We have different opinions on raising our children and I don’t think I can continue this friendship anymore.”

They noted they “constantly feel judged and belittled” by this friend, and also disagree with them over their stance on not vaccinating their kids and homeschooling.

“I understand that she has a right to parent her child the way she thinks is best, however, I don’t like the feeling of judgement that comes along with the choices I have made as a parent,” they added.

It prompted a lot of discussion – and resonated with plenty of other mums – who suggested this is quite a common experience, although probably not spoken about all that much.

Breastfeeding vs not breastfeeding; vaccinating vs not vaccinating; gentle parenting vs authoritarian parenting; differing views on where kids should be educated or screen time.........

© HuffPost