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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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

161 replies

ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 21:41

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?

OP posts:
RVectensian · 20/08/2026 21:51

Teamrabbit · 20/08/2026 21:44

iPad kids!

Surely 'iPad kids', hideous term, would not be standing around chatting? They'd be gathered around a screen?

It sounds like you want us to be critical of them OP, but surely, like all human beings, even small boys are all different?

Why has this piqued your interest? Or bothered you?

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?

DeftGoldHedgehog · 20/08/2026 21:49

Not all kids run round like headless chickens.

ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 21:47

ByCosyGreyPoet · 20/08/2026 21:46

They sound intellectually superior to me

Really?

Why is that? Too clever to play?

OP posts:
ByCosyGreyPoet · 20/08/2026 21:46

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?

They sound intellectually superior to me

ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 21:46

VickyEadie · 20/08/2026 21:42

How incredibly refreshing.

What? Kids not playing at the playground?

OP posts:
ShedShedShed · 20/08/2026 21:45

ByCosyGreyPoet · 20/08/2026 21:44

I actually find this cute as hell.

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?

OP posts:
ByCosyGreyPoet · 20/08/2026 21:44

I actually find this cute as hell.

Teamrabbit · 20/08/2026 21:44

iPad kids!

mynameiscalypso · 20/08/2026 21:43

I have a 7 year old that would definitely sit and chat to his friends about Pokemon for hours on end.

VickyEadie · 20/08/2026 21:42

How incredibly refreshing.