When Your Friends Start Having Kids and You're Still Single

It’s a strange feeling, isn’t it? One day, you’re all crammed into a booth at your favorite diner, laughing about the most random things, and the next, your friends are married, posting baby bump pictures and nursery tours. Meanwhile, you’re over here trying to figure out what to make for dinner that doesn’t involve cereal. It’s not that you’re unhappy for them — you are! But it can feel like you’re living in a completely different world when your friends start having kids. So, what do you do when life seems to be moving at a different pace for you? Let’s talk about it.

1. Celebrate Their Season

First things first: your friends’ joy doesn’t have to take away from your own. It’s easy to feel like their milestones highlight what you don’t have, but you can view it differently. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” This is your chance to show up for your friends in a big way. Celebrate their wins, even if it feels bittersweet.

Send a thoughtful gift for the baby shower. Offer to babysit (if you’re up for it). Be the friend who cheers them on, not the one who quietly resents their happiness.

2. Embrace Your Own Season

While their lives might be filled with diaper changes and bedtime routines, your single season has its own opportunities. This is your time to explore, grow, and invest in things that bring you joy.

Here are a few ideas:

• Travel: Take that road trip you’ve been dreaming about. It helps you step out of your routine, experience God’s creation, and create memories that are uniquely yours.

• Learn: Pick up a new skill or hobby. It builds confidence, helps you grow, and can even connect you with new people who share your interests.

• Serve: Volunteer at your church or in your community. Serving shifts your focus to others, reflects God’s love, and brings purpose to your current season.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Your season is just as valuable as theirs — it’s just different.

3. Lean Into Your Faith

It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind, but God’s timing is never late. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” When you feel the sting of comparison, take a moment to pray. Ask God to help you trust His plan for your life, even when it doesn’t look like everyone else’s.

4. Build Your Community

Just because your friends are busy with kids doesn’t mean you have to do life alone. This is a great time to deepen other friendships or make new ones. Join a small group, connect with coworkers, or reach out to that person you’ve been meaning to get to know better.

Life doesn’t have to look the same for everyone to be meaningful. Your friends’ growing families are a beautiful thing, but so is the life God is shaping for you. Embrace it, trust Him, and keep moving forward.