I’m so sick of my mum friend's 'annoying' habit with her kids

"How do I put an end to this?"

A child-free woman has vented online about her mum friend who only wants to meet at kid-centric locations like playgrounds and zoos. 

She explained that she has no issue with her friend's children being there, she's just sick of doing child-related activities when she's meant to be hanging out with her friend. 

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The "annoying" habit

In the post, the woman explained that she and her friend are both 38 and have been friends since uni. Her friend now has two kids, ages seven and three.

"She and her kids come as a package deal. She chooses not to socialise without them," the woman wrote.

"I respect her decision and understand her kids are her top priority," she said.

"I am also fond of her children and enjoy seeing them, the problem arises in where we meet."

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She says the mum is very active and doesn't like to catch up at home, so they always meet up at child-friendly venues. 

The pair have been to parks, zoos, children's museums and festivals aimed at kids. 

"This means her kids are usually excitable, and easily distracted, and tend to race around a lot," the woman said.

"Or they need help navigating the slide or want to be pushed on the swings. About 80% of my time is usually spent watching or helping my friend parent her children, and only 20% is us actually catching up and having a proper conversation."

Image: iStock

She says on the rare occasions that they do meet at her friend's house, their catchups are "so much better."

Now she's been doing this for years and now she's "reached her limit."

"You're meant to be a friend, not a babysitter"

In the comments, readers empathised with the woman.

"I really don't think you should be expected to suffer through soft play every single time," joked one.

"You're supposed to be her friend, not her kids' babysitter," added another. 

"It seems a bit mean of her to be so keen to cherish her children that she can't spare two hours every so often to see you alone," a third replied.

"Kids or no kids, she shouldn’t dictate your free time," someone else pointed out.

"I am a very dedicated mother, but I meet my close friend alone, and we have a proper catch-up and laugh in a pub or similar," one mum concluded. 

Originally published as I’m so sick of my mum friend's 'annoying' habit with her kids