I grew up with this friend -- we've been close since we were toddlers. We live 2 blocks away from each other with our own families now, and it is very convenient to swap childcare regularly, and to drop in for visits frequently. However, my 2 children and her 2 children do not seem to want to get along. We've been working hard on this since our oldest kids were born 7 years ago. I can't quite grasp what the issue is, but our children are all pretty mean to each other, and very reluctant to make an effort to get along.
I do believe that children should be free to choose their own friends. But I'm having a hard time figuring out what is making them so resistant to these kids from such a young age.
Giving my kids the freedom to stop being friends with her kids would significantly limit my long standing friendship with *her.*
Any experience with this, or suggestions?
I do believe that children should be free to choose their own friends. But I'm having a hard time figuring out what is making them so resistant to these kids from such a young age.

Giving my kids the freedom to stop being friends with her kids would significantly limit my long standing friendship with *her.*
