Increase your family, decrease your social circle - at least according to a recently-released British study.

Co-operatives UK, the study's sponsor, set out to gauge the level of neighborliness of Britons 28 years after a landmark report by The Sunday Times on the subject.

The study found that the average number of close friends for people with no children is 4.7, a number that gradually declines to just 3.5 close friends for families with three children.

Emma Bennett, a mother of three, told The Sunday Times that she had seen her circle of friends decline as her family grew.

"When I had my first daughter it wasn’t too bad at first and I was showing her off to friends," Bennett said.

"But then over time I accepted that I couldn't enjoy the same social life I'd had before - and the more children I've had, the more that has been the case. I’d say I’ve lost one or two close friends over the years.”

So what can a Savvy Auntie do?

Be aware of the needs of mom and dad - if they have fewer friends or neighbors to rely on, they may need you to step in and help out with your nieces and nephews.

Be an understanding confidant - mom may at times feel glum about the changes in her social life. She may need to talk, or maybe even get out for a fun time now and then.

No matter which side of the pond they're on, sometimes moms and dads need Savvy Aunties, too!

Published: July 6, 2010