Page 6 | AIBU to find a group of small boys just chatting at the playground unusual?

ShedShedShed · 2026-08-20T20:41:46+00:00

We go to the local playground most days, and observe the kids generally and know some dog them etc. What stands out to me is a little group of boys 6,6,6 and 8. They always just stand around talking. Occasionally will sit on swings and chat. Never seem to actually play unless and adult leads them in something like hide and seek or chase. It's like they're teenagers but without the larking around 13 year olds do between chatting. It's bizarre to me, my DS is 7 and plays with others, racing, helping on monkey bars, playing pirates, football by himself or with others. This group he doesn't play with because they just want to stand around talking about whatever it is they talk about. Is this usual behaviour you'd expect?

99bottlesofkombucha · 20/08/2026 22:20

ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 21:55

I would actually. It just so happens this is a group of f boys. I'd find it strange that any 6 year old is seemingly unable to do self/peer led play. The dozen or more other kids don't seem to need adults to "help"

Show quote history

6 year old boys are much more likely to need help having a conversation than they are running around. My socially awkward child jumps into ball games because that’s easy.

hairyweebeastie · 20/08/2026 22:19

I think it’s sweet. Sounds like they’ve found their people.

Bluesky85 · 20/08/2026 22:18

Unless they’ve been locked in a cupboard their whole lives I’m pretty sure they will know how to use a climbing frame and a slide. They obviously just preferred, on this day, to chat. It’s the opposite of ‘iPad kids’. iPad kids are probably more likely to seek fast and furious constant entertainment. If they can chat in a group then they have great social skills. Everyone enjoys different things and can also vary from one day to the next.

MerryUmberHedgehog · 20/08/2026 22:18

Nerds in training? Who cares? What a weird thing for you to even raise. How do you know their ages anyway?

99bottlesofkombucha · 20/08/2026 22:18

ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 21:45

What's, that they can't manage to play unless an adult directs them?

Or the standing around chatting all the time instead of playing?

Show quote history

It’s pretty cute that they can talk to each other!! It’s socially much easier to run around being silly or kicking a ball than it is for that age group to talk, so it’s cute. I love seeing my kids in a group talking. It doesn’t mean they don’t play sport every day. I am finding it hard to understand why someone would judge this, as judging you clearly are.

Original poster

ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 22:17

Megifer · 20/08/2026 22:15

So a group of children seem to be enjoying themselves, but not in the way you believe is the right way?

I just find it unusual.

I was just wondering if this was common elsewhere and if they're are a minority at that age it not.

No-one seems to have answered this,. just decided that I'm being judgemental. Which I guess I am, but I just wondered...

OP posts:

BringBackCatsEyes · 20/08/2026 22:17

You need to have more information.
It could be the only time that all 4 of them can get together to talk about something they all have in common (a sport, collector cards, some toy or other).
Maybe they spend ages at the park playing with siblings or other children and this is their chat time.

Or it could be that they never get any physical exercise.

Dollymylove · 20/08/2026 22:16

How nice that youngsters can just chill out chatting to each other. Not causing trouble, not annoying other people. Leave them alone!!

Megifer · 20/08/2026 22:15

So a group of children seem to be enjoying themselves, but not in the way you believe is the right way?

TreesinthePark · 20/08/2026 22:12

You have projected some bizarre assumptions onto these children. They are enjoying each other's company and most importantly, minding their own business.

Original poster

ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 22:06

Roastiesarethebestbit · 20/08/2026 22:02

I think you are making assumptions. My son and his mates could have sat around for hours just chatting at that age . There was always something they were all massively into. They still knew how to play! It’s just sometimes
they preferred to chat.

Fair enough

OP posts:

Activelife · 20/08/2026 22:06

I walked past my local park to day, and saw 3 little girls sitting on the grass outside of the park chatting away, no more that about 8.
I dont see whats wrong with it
All kids are different op.
I use to be the same i didnt want to play all the time i was happy giggling and chatting about barbies.

Roastiesarethebestbit · 20/08/2026 22:02

I think you are making assumptions. My son and his mates could have sat around for hours just chatting at that age . There was always something they were all massively into. They still knew how to play! It’s just sometimes
they preferred to chat.

Original poster

ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 21:58

Marroon · 20/08/2026 21:55

Why would it be weird? They aren’t toddlers playing along adjacent to eachother, in order to play as an 8 year old they need to develop proper friendships, share interests, discuss things … all done by chatting.
I’m sure they play plenty over the course of the day.
You seem to be implying your child is better for swinging on some monkey bars.

No. They're just in the minority in our playground, no other kids just standing around chatting, hands in pockets etc... and wondered if this was to be expected, and that this happens all the time in playgrounds everywhere with such young kids.

OP posts:

Screamingabdabz · 20/08/2026 21:57

My lad would’ve been in that group. Always preferred the social and cerebral rather than mindless running around or rough and tumble.

lunar1 · 20/08/2026 21:57

Why does your child need to race around all the time, can’t he hold a conversation with his peers?

in case you missed it that was sarcasm. Shock horror, not all children are the same, what’s wrong with you that you don’t understand that?

Marroon · 20/08/2026 21:55

Why would it be weird? They aren’t toddlers playing along adjacent to eachother, in order to play as an 8 year old they need to develop proper friendships, share interests, discuss things … all done by chatting.
I’m sure they play plenty over the course of the day.
You seem to be implying your child is better for swinging on some monkey bars.

Original poster

ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 21:55

ByCosyGreyPoet · 20/08/2026 21:52

Obviously have good attention spans, good conversational skills, aren't just "wild boys", "boys will be boys nonsense". You wouldn't comment if it was a group of girls because children enjoying eachothers company and conversation is normal. If you have one of those 'high energy' types (trying to phrase it nicely) I can see why you would find it strange. Judging by all the kids in my family/friends (and my own son) ranging from toddlers to 9 I don't find it strange. My friend with an adhd boy would though

Show quote history

I would actually. It just so happens this is a group of f boys. I'd find it strange that any 6 year old is seemingly unable to do self/peer led play. The dozen or more other kids don't seem to need adults to "help"

OP posts:

TwisterSpice · 20/08/2026 21:54

Lovely to hear of kids actually talking to each other. Especially boys. You’re being weird OP.

Original poster

ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 21:53

ChickenBananaBanana · 20/08/2026 21:50

What's wrong with them choosing to chat rather than run around? I don't get why you seem to look at this negatively?

Because it seems unusual for 6 year olds not to play on a playground and seemingly not know how to play with out an adult directing them.

If a parent sets up a game like hide and seek, they play enthusiastically enough, but just don't seem to know how to self direct the play? It's like they're waiting for someone to tell them?

OP posts:

Heathertrott2 · 20/08/2026 21:53

Kids are not exempt from hating forced fun

allgoodhere783 · 20/08/2026 21:53

They're talking about Pokemon most likely lol

ByCosyGreyPoet · 20/08/2026 21:52

ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 21:47

Really?

Why is that? Too clever to play?

Show quote history

Obviously have good attention spans, good conversational skills, aren't just "wild boys", "boys will be boys nonsense". You wouldn't comment if it was a group of girls because children enjoying eachothers company and conversation is normal. If you have one of those 'high energy' types (trying to phrase it nicely) I can see why you would find it strange. Judging by all the kids in my family/friends (and my own son) ranging from toddlers to 9 I don't find it strange. My friend with an adhd boy would though

Franxi · 20/08/2026 21:52

I don’t think it’s weird? I’m a mother of a 5yr old and have been to the park, parties, etc., and often see a group of kids do this. I’m not sure what’s strange about it?

JackGrealishsCalves · 20/08/2026 21:51

Maybe they like chatting to each other about stuff, kids stuff?
Very bizarre thread assuming they don't know how to play without an adult to tell them what to do.
Kids should be allowed to structure their own time and do what they want , they don't HAVE to play just because you think they should.
Quite refreshing actually