Pushy mum wants our DS’s to be close friends

[DaddyKool1980]

A nice, but pushy mum at DS school is quite enthusiastic about our DS’s being close friends.

Both DSs know each other but my DS has no interest of being close friends, he has his own super close friends and is happy.

We keep being asked for play dates, we went to one and it was nice, but DS does not want to go to again.

it’s a bit awkward but want to get advice on how to handle diplomatic.

Usually at that age it’s because the parents want to be friends so could it be that rather than the children?

@TheSnowyOwl there maybe an element of that. However, they did slip they wanted their DS to be “more like” our DS, which is a compliment in a way but we feel weird about it, like our DS is some sort of prop. Maybe I’m over reacting but DS is not that interested and seems like their DS isn’t either. I’m hoping they get this picture when we turn down invites…

Just say you don’t have time.

Keep declining unless it's convenient. And drop into conversation that your DS is best friends with XY & X.

I think you can be quite blunt ‘I’m sorry, DS is more comfortable with his regular group of friends so I’m not sure he’d be up for a play date’.

If you say you don’t have the time or whatever she’ll start suggesting different slots or try again in a few weeks.

@Violettaa yeah that’s what’s happening, we originally said we were busy and didn’t get back to her but she kept pursuing so we did one meet up to be diplomatic. They’ve asked for another and we’ve declined that we’re busy. We rarely if ever see/speak to them as we’re quick with the drop offs. The whole situation feels strange, no one from our side is interested….

Be more firm, say actually ds is happy with his current friendship group. Just say no thank you.