Why can’t friendship survive Kids?
In this episode of Seated with Strangers, Elle, Amanda, and Ginger discuss the topic of why friendships can't survive certain life changes, particularly having a child. They explore the idea that having a child changes the priority and need for friendship and question whether friendships can survive everything except having a child. The hosts share their personal experiences and perspectives on the matter, considering the challenges and dynamics of maintaining friendships while navigating the responsibilities of motherhood.
The strangers reflect on how their own parents, like many in the past, prioritized their children's needs over their own mental and emotional health. They express a desire to break this cycle and emphasize the importance of self-care and nurturing their own well-being while taking care of their children.
During the conversation Elle shares her personal experience with postpartum depression, highlighting how she became so consumed with being a mom that she lost sight of her individual identity. She emphasizes the need for mothers to find themselves after becoming a parent and not let motherhood define their entire being.
The women expressed the significance of friendships in maintaining a sense of self outside of motherhood. They emphasize that mothers have multiple responsibilities and wear many hats, making it crucial to have friends who can provide support and understanding. These friendships allow mothers to let loose and be more than just a mom, offering a much-needed break from the pressures of motherhood.
Additionally, the speakers discuss the challenges that arise when balancing friendships with the demands of motherhood. They acknowledge that some friends may feel isolated or neglected when a new baby enters the picture. It is important to find a balance between focusing on the baby and maintaining connections with friends who may have different priorities. The speakers suggest that open communication and understanding are key to addressing these challenges and finding a balance that works for everyone.
Overall, the episode emphasizes that having friendships and adult time is crucial for mothers. It allows them to have moments where they can let loose, be themselves, and maintain their identity outside of being a parent. These connections provide support, understanding, and a sense of community, which are essential for the well-being of mothers.
highlights from the episode
00:01:06 - "Our friendships survive bad dates, illness, marriage, fights. Why can't it survive your baby?"
00:03:35 - "we can't stop showing up for people because it hasn't happened for us yet, because that could be slowing down our own, you know, blessing or our own situation."
00:08:25 - "This is the hardest thing. Motherhood is hood, okay?"
00:09:34 - "And if you're not ready to be grown and you need me to coddle you in a season where I'm trying to learn how to be a new mom, I ain't got it."
00:12:10 - "For real, we need the support."
00:15:30 - "We have to have the conversation and can't be so caught up on the fence because it gets us nowhere at all."
00:23:10 - "I don't want you to feel left out because you don't have children, but I also don't want you to feel like you have to come and see a reminder of what you want in a room full of people, right?"
00:32:07 - "I don't get how so many women are able to do this."
Article Referenced on the Podcast Our friendship survived bad dates, illness, marriage, fights. Why can’t it survive your baby?
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