Criticising parenting costs friendships

If you want to retain your friendships with other parents, it’s best not to tell off their children or criticise their parenting techniques.

According to a recent study of more than 1,300 parents with children under five years of age, a third had fallen out with a friend over their children.

Criticising a parenting decision caused a rift between 37 per cent of these friendships.

A 19 per cent fell out with their friend by telling one of their children off.

Of all the parents who had fallen out with friends, 19 per cent never talked to their friend again and 51 per cent found it caused an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Chairman of MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, Mark Pearson said: “There’s a thin line between giving an opinion and criticising, and it’s completely normal to be more sensitive and protective when talking about your own children.

“What works best for one family might not suit another, and it’s best not to fall out over a difference of opinion. As for telling your friend’s children off, I can see why so many people feel uncomfortable with it. Discipline is a personal choice for each parent, so if you don’t think your friend would like you telling off their child, maybe take the safer route and wait until they’re home to do it for you.”