Friends influence

[oopsiforgot]

I have a DS aged 4, is in preschool and has mixed well with lots of different children in his class, however now seems to have settled with the most disruptive child in the class, he is loud and his speech is poor. I am actually quite fond of this other child but hate the influence he has on my DS, who has been very bright, happily calm and eloquent up until this friendship. I'm not overly concerned, but wonder if any parents of older children have any thoughts on how much a parent can influence who your child is friends with as they begin school and also begin to choose their own friends?

Many children aged 4 have not mastered speech yet. If that is an issue for you your ds will not have many friends. Perhaps you should make them be tested first to ensure they are good enough for your ds.

Thanks for the usual warm mumsnet response! Actually thinking about as children get older and meet people who can actually live their lives, effort on school, drugs etc.