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

[ShedShedShed]

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?

How incredibly refreshing.

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

iPad kids!

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?

What? Kids not playing at the playground?

They sound intellectually superior to me

Really?

Why is that? Too clever to play?

Not all kids run round like headless chickens.

What's wrong with them choosing to chat rather than run around? I don't get why you seem to look at this negatively?

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?

Maybe they like chatting to each other about stuff, kids stuff?
Very bizarre thread assuming they don't know how to play without an adult to tell them what to do.
Kids should be allowed to structure their own time and do what they want , they don't HAVE to play just because you think they should.
Quite refreshing actually

I don’t think it’s weird? I’m a mother of a 5yr old and have been to the park, parties, etc., and often see a group of kids do this. I’m not sure what’s strange about it?

Obviously have good attention spans, good conversational skills, aren't just "wild boys", "boys will be boys nonsense". You wouldn't comment if it was a group of girls because children enjoying eachothers company and conversation is normal. If you have one of those 'high energy' types (trying to phrase it nicely) I can see why you would find it strange. Judging by all the kids in my family/friends (and my own son) ranging from toddlers to 9 I don't find it strange. My friend with an adhd boy would though

They're talking about Pokemon most likely lol

Kids are not exempt from hating forced fun

Because it seems unusual for 6 year olds not to play on a playground and seemingly not know how to play with out an adult directing them.

If a parent sets up a game like hide and seek, they play enthusiastically enough, but just don't seem to know how to self direct the play? It's like they're waiting for someone to tell them?

Lovely to hear of kids actually talking to each other. Especially boys. You’re being weird OP.

I would actually. It just so happens this is a group of f boys. I'd find it strange that any 6 year old is seemingly unable to do self/peer led play. The dozen or more other kids don't seem to need adults to "help"

Why would it be weird? They aren’t toddlers playing along adjacent to eachother, in order to play as an 8 year old they need to develop proper friendships, share interests, discuss things … all done by chatting.
I’m sure they play plenty over the course of the day.
You seem to be implying your child is better for swinging on some monkey bars.

Why does your child need to race around all the time, can’t he hold a conversation with his peers?

in case you missed it that was sarcasm. Shock horror, not all children are the same, what’s wrong with you that you don’t understand that?

My lad would’ve been in that group. Always preferred the social and cerebral rather than mindless running around or rough and tumble.

No. They're just in the minority in our playground, no other kids just standing around chatting, hands in pockets etc... and wondered if this was to be expected, and that this happens all the time in playgrounds everywhere with such young kids.

I think you are making assumptions. My son and his mates could have sat around for hours just chatting at that age . There was always something they were all massively into. They still knew how to play! It’s just sometimes
they preferred to chat.

Fair enough