Toddler Friendships Don’t Have to Be Forever

A reader asks why her toddler and a friend's child, who are very different, seem destined to be BFFs; the adviser notes kids have preferences and can’t be forced into lifelong bonds. Focus on preserving the adults’ friendship independent of the kids, consider fewer or more child-free meetups, and set gentle boundaries while listening to your child’s feelings and choices about playdates.