At this time of the year, with lots of parties, family catch-ups and holiday plans, you might be reminded of how much you love your friends.

But as their kids pester for screen time, drop chips everywhere and run screaming around the house, you may also be reminded of how you don’t have the same affection for their kids.

This tension can happen for several reasons. If you don’t have your own kids or are not able to have them, having friends with children may create grief or sadness.

Or children might represent a change in the dynamic of the friendship. You can’t talk over coffee without an interruption or go out for wine on a Friday night without the kids slipping into most of the conversation.

Or the kids might have some characteristics that rub you the wrong way. Perhaps you don’t like how they interact with your kids. Or maybe you are just genuinely annoyed by what you see as their demanding or chaotic behaviour. It’s not cool when they jump on your couch with their dirty shoes or forget your........

© The Conversation