Friends for my kid

[alittlehelp]

My three year old son is a big extrovert. Me and his dad are not. I have a few close friends but none have kids. I've made a big effort to go to groups etc with my boy and I'm always friendly but for whatever reason it has never progressed to making any proper friendships. I obviously put people off somehow (probably desperation!).

Anyway, I can live with this but feel a bit sad for my boy that he doesn't have a group of friends. He's at childminder three days a week and has friends there but I don't know the other parents to arrange playdates. He'll play with random kids in the park or softplay etc so does get to socialise but just not with a regular group of pals. He'll start nursery later this year - just wondered if people with older kids found the social life picks up once nursery/school starts?

[TheOriginalNNB]

Don’t worry!
I dont know any 3 yr old with ‘proper’ friends... it’s more the developing of social skills that’s important, which he sounds fine with. Being able to play.
Friendship will be made at school, fear not.

[alittlehelp]

Thanks! That's reassuring.

[user1493413286]

I would agree with previous person; the main thing is that he’s getting opportunities to socialise like at groups and childminders then once he starts nursery and even more so at school friendships become more solid

[willyougotobed]

Same here. Mine made their own friends. I think you probably need to start inviting other dc round probably about y1 (age 5/6/7). Just give him a note to put in a friend's book bag asking nicely if x would like to come for tea after school with your phone number. Things like cubs are good too for making friends and giving him more social time. It's also quite a nice community for you to meet people, if you want to. You end up helping one way or another. But don't worry, he'll be fine if he's more extrovert. It's early days yet.

[Debby08]

He's just 3 and with that very little can be said about his behavior towards getting regular pals. At his stage his mental faculties towards peer relationships is just developing and I don't see any reason why it should be a cause for concern.

[Helena17]

I wonuldn't worry if I were you. I think at such age no pattern of behavior would ever tell you the kind of behavior he will have later on. the most important thing is he is able to be with other kids and just have fun.

[alittlehelp]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll not stress about it then xxx

[Summerdays2014]

Hi OP, I’m exactly the same as you - an introvert who made a huge effort with class but never developed any proper friendships. My son goes to nursery 3 days a week and seems to ‘play with’ the children there. He is happy but I feel sorry for him having no play dates at home because I’m so socially awkward. I’m sure they will both be fine though.

[alittlehelp]

Glad I'm not the only one summer days! I expect we care about it a lot more than they do.