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?

That’s nice. Why shouldn’t they chat?

What makes you assume that? My six year old has never used a tablet, and has very limited screen time. But he loves conversations and gravitates towards other kids who are the same. He'd much prefer to stand around and have a chat than run around or climb on things. He's an old soul and has no interest in typical playground antics. He's been like this since he was a toddler.

Perhaps.

DS1 used to stand around chatting to his friends for ages. He was that age way before iPads came out. He could play without adult direction, and he did, but he also liked a chat. He’s a very old soul, always has been.

I, also, agree with a PP that no one would bat an eyelid if a group of little girls was standing around having a chat with their friends.

op if you’re concerned about your own child speak to the school and see what they say about his ability to be calm and socialise and chat.

Who said they shouldn't? Not me. I'm just curious as to whether it unusual...which it clearly is.

Ha ha.

I think you've quoted me by accident there.

What makes you think it's unusual? The replies you're getting clearly seem to indicate it isn't.

Literally no-one on this thread has said it’s unusual. Everyone has said it’s normal.

You remind me of those mums who insist that ‘all kids’ are feral when it’s actually their kids…

No.

.I just was asking if it was unusual and all this attacking me shows that, yes it is unusual. Nothing wrong with it, but definitely unusual...

It’s very strange that this seems to be bothering you so much. The tone of your posts and comments is very odd.

I would much rather my child be socialising with friends than tearing around for the most part honestly. I don’t have a boy but this doesn’t seem unusual, my girl often preferred talking to adults or older children over running around.

Maybe they are just quite mature 6 year olds?

No they haven't, they've said to leave them alone, stop judging..
.not actually answered with "yes, there's loads of kids around her who stand around chatting"

They've all pointed out that a few kids do like to chat.

Which makes it unusual.

I would say it is somewhat unusual, but you seem to think they can't play rather than perhaps choosing not to play. They may play when an adult directs them because they are happy enough to join in but i wouldn't assume that that means that they don't know how to play without adult help - they may just be as happy chatting.

Hilarious take. Everyone says I’m wrong….so I must be right.

give over op. Everyone has said it’s normal. End of

Ok?

My son is hugely into making up elaborate stories with a couple of his friends (he plays d&d and reads loads of fantasy) so he spends plenty of time chatting. I think it’s lovely.

And yes - you tend to see kids running around shrieking but there are usually pockets of quieter or more imaginative kids putting the world to rights.

You obviously missed my post then! It’s not unusual at all.

My ds was like this. He's an adult now(well just about) and plays dungeons and dragons with his friends which is essentially a very long chat as far as I can make out. He's just always been very calm, quiet and considered even at 6, charging around playgrounds was never for him.

Doesn't sound remotely unusual. Some kids like running around like blue arsed flies. Some kids prefer social engagement.

Not unusual at all. Girls can chit chat and wear pink. Girls can run about and kick a ball and wear blue. And vice versa. You need to get past the boys will be boys thinking. It will hinder your child.
What’s unusual is you an adult noticing this and thinking it’s weird.

Poor lads, being judged for having a conversation! I wonder why you find it peculiar and wrong, because it's neither of those things.

What is wrong with you?

OP, your replies at the start of the thread were very judgmental towards these boys and how they chose to exist together, implying there was something wrong with them because they didn’t behave like your ds. Not all boys want to spend their entire time racing around the place, playing make believe games, or whatever. I think it’s sweet that they’re chatting. However, you seem weirdly concerned about why these boys are chatting rather than playing and you’ve made assumptions about them to fit some idea in your head. Question: why on earth would it matter how these boys spend their time?