To think I am now socially awkward???

[reddotmum]

So my eldest so children are in "big school" and my youngest has just started primary one in a school new to the family (ie we have never had any of the kids at this school and it is in a new area) anyway I only know a couple of the parents from seeing them at nursery and don't even know their names. Other than that I know no one.

Despite me thinking I'm an educated and confident woman the idea of collection time fills me with dread. All the parents seem to know each other! They stand in little gangs twittering and guffawing! There are a couple mums like me who stand alone but appear to be completely at ease with it.
I am happy to stand alone but I feel so out of place and uncomfortable. One mum spoke to me on the first couple days (the children where phased in and at this point only 6 kids where in) but since then her buddies kids have all started and she literally blanks me now! I just don't get it? It's horrible.

Am I unreasonable to think in my forties I have become socially Awkward???

Just get involved , it takes time . I've made great friends from both my children's schools . It requires effort and skill granted but just try .

I used to dislike the picking up too you're not alone OP!

I just drop my child off, leave it until almost last minute to pick up. I don 't get involved with the other parents unless they engage me in conversation.Will always say hello and smile in the morning though because no one wants to hang around am in my experience.

My older children actually went to my primary school so I went to school with most of the parents there as it was a small town. I knew almost all the teachers and most of the parents so this is the opposite end of the spectrum
I plan to just smile and carrying as I am. Thanks all for ur advice. X

A bug wink to mummyX who recognises me on the school run this AM. Thanks for the reassuring chaT xx

I was in the same position as you not knowing anyone but not wanting to stand alone and look aloof.

What helped was getting there a bit earlier and being by the exit door, that way other parents have to congregate around and you can just exchange friendly smiles and something may develop.

Bear in mind though that there are going to be a lot of people in there you'll want nothing to do with!!

My LB has just started reception. 15 years ago I gave a shit about what people thought and would have felt desperate to make some friends and not stand alone.

But frankly, I don't care. I smile and say hello to people because I'm a friendly person. I'll chat to absolutely anyone. But I automatically stand alone. Never associate myself with a group. We are parents who happened to have children at a similar time. Doesn't mean we'll be best mates or have anything in common. Or that we have any need to be friends.

But then I might just be a grumpy, antisocial bitch