Mummy wars? A third of us have fallen out with a friend… over our children

Let's be honest, at some stage or another we probably called into question a friend's parenting style.

It's pretty inevitable. And a study caught our eye recently that says we're not alone: indeed, a third of us have fallen out with a friend after arguing about our kids and/or ways of parenting. That and one fifth of respondents revealed that they were upset that a friend had told off one of their children. Meanwhile, 23 percent of parents confessed to taking their child’s side in an argument with a friend, while just under a quarter of those polled fell out with a friend after questioning their parenting decision. The study (conducted by British company MyVouchers.co.uk), polled 1,358 parents about their relationships with other parents. The company said in response: "It can be uncomfortable when you get yourself in this situation as a parent, as different views on parenting choices in particular can cause disagreements between friends; and nobody wants to hear that they’re making the wrong choice when it comes to their children. "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!" he added.