Forcing children to be friends

Today, I met 2 of my friends with their sons at a park. My little boy has just turned 2, one of my friends' sons has just turned 6 & my other friend's son is nearly 7. Whenever we meet with our boys, I have noticed that 9 times out of 10, by the time we are going our separate ways, the older 2 have fallen out & are usually either calling each other names & fighting or are just not talking to each other & playing separately. I feel like because my friends are best friends, they want their sons to be best friends as well & are forcing a friendship that just isn't there. So my question is, would you force your child to be friends with your best friends child just because you are friends? Or would you accept that they don't get on & not put them through the ordeal of having to socialise with each other when they clearly don't like each other?

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I wouldn't stop my friendship with my friend and usually the only chance I get to see my friends is with our kids so my answer is yes. I wouldnt expect them to be great friends but I would expect them to learn the skills to get along - but this would be facilitated by the parents

@Ris-Childcare Navigator I didn't say anything about stopping the friendship with my friends. I just personally wouldn't force my child to socialise with their children, knowing that they don't get along. I don't think it is fair.

I know you didn't, but I explained further. Children will come across many others in life who they don't like but have to work with whether it be at school or work. What better opportunity than in a parents presence where the parent can guide and support the children in how to navigate this type of relationship so they know how to when they are on their own and it matter.

If I want to see my friend with the kids I would. They don’t have to play with each other. They are 6 and can ammuse themselves. Life skills! You don’t get on with everyone

If they spend a lot of time together their relationship may be more like siblings and so they argue more! I had this growing up! And my friend was like my twin we’d spent almost everyday together from the moment we were born! Only 2 days between us! I’m so glad I had this! Her mum is like a member of my family and we have lovely funny memories to look back at!

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