One of the worst things about parenting is having to make small talk with other parents. Just because our kids are the same age doesn't mean we have much in common, and there's only so much runway I get with talking about the kids' developmental phases, school, activities, etc. before I run out of stuff to say. And then you're just left talking about regular adult stuff with people who are more boring than you. This is why you need your designated parent friend. You need a person you've identif…