To ask how often your primary school aged children see friends outside of school

[Blended87]

Just curious as to what is normal. My Y4 son plays football twice a week and so sees a few school friends doing that. Then maybe once a month we will arrange a soft play date with a friend of his. My Y1 daughter probably sees a friend at least once a half term/school holiday. I work full time so try to keep weekends for family time but I'm aware they need to socialise especially my y4 son.

We see them at the park after school, but not many actual playdates, he has a few friends where he has gone to their house for a playdate, but so far only one parent has said yes to a playdate at ours.

We don’t go to the local school so playing out doesn’t happen. During the week I work so we just have to make do I’m afraid. I don’t have time or energy for other people’s kids when I’m working. School holidays I organise a couple of playdates for each child. I wish we lived somewhere they could just go out and mix with friends but we don’t. My kids play a lot of computer games and chat to their mates on the PlayStation.

A few times a year and that’s only because I’m friends with this particular child’s DM, so I suggest it (they are good friends too). DS never asks to have a friend over himself.

My son is reception and he sees his main friend every school holiday. So far only once for a play date after school.

Most weeks. I have 3 in primary school and a preschooler. They are allowed to do 2 activities each, plus swimming lessons, out of school, and don't see any school friends at Beavers / football etc. We have a couple of nights free for friends to come for tea etc.

Weekends are partly for time together as a family, definitely, but sometimes it's lovely to have a friend over and the kids feel the same so we do allow "playdates" at the weekend.

DD2 is very sociable and is invited to lots of parties too. We also have a wide circle of out of school friends who we catch up with in half terms etc and go away on holidays with occasionally. It doesn't feel like too much because they are all local - mostly walkable - and we keep plans loose and things fun and kid centric.

Mine are in Yr 4 and Yr 6 and they play out with friends nearly every day.