Should I reply in the new school parents WhatsApp group?

[peachysoft]

This is most likely my menopausal anxiety kicking off but if anyone cares to help me I’d be grateful!

My DD is starting at a new school in year 9. It’s an international school so lots of people coming and going every year and this will be dd 4th school so far so she’s used to moving about too.
this WhatsApp parents group is quite active and seems friendly. They’ve said welcome to me over the summer. Someone invited the whole group to a party for next week and I wasn’t sure if my dd would be included because I’d only been added the week before so I stayed quiet.

Then another mum recently said her ds is starting at the school would anyone like to meet up and some people said they’re not in the uk etc and neither am I atm. Should I reply? I usually blank these chats forever unless I need something school related but feeling perhaps a little antisocial on this one. I’m a naturally awkward person. Hence avoiding conversations on here too :-)
should I reply or leave it?!

Depends what you want do you want to meet people and make new friends or do you prefer keeping yourself to yourself

Definitely go. It will be great for your daughter and will help her settle. Good for you to get to know other parents. There’s not a minimum time you have to be on a WhatsApp chat before you’re entitled to join in on events!

Are you in the same town as her? Do you want to meet up? If you are and you do, respond accordingly.

I would reply.

Well usually I’m pretty antisocial but I’ve never had such a chatty group before. It’s nice but not sure if I’ll appear rude if I say nothing. Was kind of hoping I’d just go unnoticed until school starts

My kids are at an international school and what I’ve noticed is the community tends to be tighter in some than others. I’d jump in with both feet in your situation, if you want the social life.

Your daughter should go to the party. It’s a group invitation, you are in the group, that includes your daughter.

If you don’t want to reply to the other person in the group then reply privately instead. You can explain that you’re not in the UK right now but that your child is also going to be starting at the school next term and it would be nice to meet another parent in a similar position. Suggest coffee?

I usually blank these chats forever unless I need something school related

That's a bit rude really.