To not want kids in my house all the time!

[Gwladgwlad]

There is a real culture at DS's school of endless playdates. We average one a week which I think is fine (DS is 6) but DS is feeling left out as his mates are going to play dates most nights of the week. Apart from the fact that I can only do thurs/ fri anyway as in work the rest of the time and DS goes to childminder after school- I want family time (as I am in work a lot of the week)!

DS is saying that he is sad as he doesnt have a best friend & that he doesnt get invited very often to other kids houses. He does a bit but not all the time!

Really don't know how to manage DS being upset! Its such a minefield. I feel that ultimately he is only 6 and my life at 6 revolved around home. It feels like kids are growing up too fast!

AIBU to want family time- I am so worried he is missing out too!

Yanbu, I think even one a week is a bit much.

I can only manage about one a
term.

Im past that stage now, waboodydo!!

Once a week, you're an angel!

Don't fall for ds's sad face, you do what you can.

Playdates are also very popular at our school. However, I find playdates hard work and so DS6 and DD5 only have maybe one a month each. I also have DS1 and having 4 kids at my house just tips me over the edge, even though I am a SAHM and could do them a lot more often.

Quite often I do see DC's friends going home with others for playdates and I feel guilty, but you do what you can. DC have after school activities 3 days of the week and it's nice to just relax on those other two. When DC are having a play date I feel I have to make the house extra clean and have appropriate child-friendly food for dinner too. I figure soon enough they'll be old enough to play out on their own and then friends can come and go and it will be easier.