Prep school mums - do your dc have friends?

[arizonagirl]

Strange question. If your children are at preps do you find that they don't have any real, close friends - inside and outside of school?

My son is at a prep school where the catchment is quite wide and so the children never get to see each other outside of school (apart from parties). As a result, the children seem to be more like acquaintances in school and my son claims to have no real friends - which makes me sad.

Just wondered if this is a common thing for prep students? I'm just worried that he isn't having a normal childhood as I knew it. Thoughts please?

My DD is in Prep 2 (Y4) and in a class of 15 girls. The catchment is pretty wide. They are actually all really sociable and get on very well, plus DD has three or four girls who she is even closer too. In the past we have had lots of "playdates" and there are regular parties, plus these days a sleepover or twon int he holidays as well.

Outside of school DD pays with the children on our cul de sac plus with other children we knew from before school. Sh knows some of these less well as only started playing out this summer but is really getting to know them much better and having a great time.

DD's best friend doesn't go to her school but they see one another 1-2 times a week and have known one another since they were 18m/2y.

Thanks Hulababy. I think from reading everyone's comments it really depends on the school, plus how much effort we mums put in. Guess there is my answer. More driving here we come. Interesting what you say about playing with people in your road - we are in the middle of nowhere which doesn't help!