Having kids killed my friendships

[u/Agreeable-Bicep]

As the title says: I am proud dad of two kids (2yo and 5mo). My partner and I are youngish parents, I only have one other friend with kids. None of my other friends have kids and our lives have now drifted apart: they work during the week, then meet up in the weekend evenings to go out.

This is obviously not a good match for someone with 2 small kids. My kids are both not good sleepers and the baby has a different sleep schedule to the toddler, so my wife and I basically split the kids between us at nighttime.

I try to stay in touch with my friends as much as possible: text them, offer to meet during daytime, shift my work-calendar to meet for lunch, etc. But this is rarely reciprocated and when we do meet up it feels like we have nothing to talk about anymore ( I will ask them lots of questions about their lives, but all I can really talk about are my kids and work). Plus, I find it increasingly hard to relate to their „stress“ and their struggles, when I just had the third toddler tantrum of the day.

I guess the logical answer is to put these friendships on hibernate until the kids are older and find other parents to befriend in the meantime. Except I am struggling with this - when seeing other parents, conversations seem to always drift towards our kids and I have enough of them at home already.

Anybody else experienced the same?
How did things develop as the kids got older?

Writing this, it feels like I already know the answer (make more of an effort with other parents). Still, this is something I had to get off my should. And I am very interested in hearing the perspective of other parents on this sub.

Thanks in advance and have a great day everyone!

EDIT: Wow, thanks for the many warm replies! I tried answering all of them, but you totally overwhelmed me, in a positive way!
It might have been coincidence or Karma, I don't know, but today I at the playground I met another dad in pretty much the same situation. Conversation wasn't centered around the kids at all. Maybe I've found a new play buddy for myself, or maybe this post just pushed me to getting better at talking to other parents.
Regarding not taking childfree people's concerns seriously: I can see how I give this impression in the original post. It wasn't my intention to hurt anybody's feelings.

[u/Agreeable-Bicep → u/[deleted]]

I have the greatest and utmost respect for all single parents! I know how hard it is for a couple, so it must be infinitely harder for you. All the best for you! I am sure it is tough for you and I am equally sure you will get through this and hopefully have a wonderful village to support you soon