I dont think my ds socialises enough

[jampots]

The school run didn't take half as long as it normally does today and so ds and i found ourselves outside his school 20 minutes before the bell rings (this has never happened) Anyway he wanted to go and play in the playground and especially as he saw his best friend arriving (his mum works there as classroom assistant). So off we trot into the playground. Ds runs ahead with his book about Sea Monsters to show bf. I saw them have a little chat and as there was a general game of footy on the go bf started chasing the ball with ds following him trying to talk to him. This painful event continued until the bell went and I really wanted to go over and say "if he wants to play football just let him". He looked just like a little lapdog following his friend around who clearly just wanted to have a bit of early morning run around. He has 2 other schoolfriends whom he sees occasionally outside of school but nothing like bf. None of my friends have boys anywhere near ds's age so the chance of expanding his friendship group is quite minimal especially as he is not a sporty child. Does anyone else have this prob?

How old is your ds?? Could you take him to Cubs or scouts???

He's 8 woodpops - our local scouts and cubs group is run by the grumpy school caretaker and another chap. Ive heard caretaker shout at the kids for very little so am pretty sure he wouldnt want to go to it.

I thought something like 30 or 40% of small children (under the age of puberty I think) prefered to be either alone or with one or 2 other people .. its just the way they develop

I wouldn't worry too much jampots, although I know it hurts you, you have far more sense of friendship proprieties than small kids do .. we've got our own overlay of what you're allowed to do, and not allowed to do ..kids tend to just get on with it

so my kid's not a wierdo then?

Definitely not. It's very hard watching your child (as you perceive it) making a fool of themselves but chances are the friend wasn't bothered. It's no bad thing to try and widen his social circle a little, especially with like-minded friends. Does he play an instrument? Could he join a music group? Cubs would be good - what about one in a nearby town or village?

I often comfort myself with this thought - how many "friends" from primary school are you still in touch with??

bad news - he's come home today from school very upset (in tears) that bf wont play with him, he's gone off with R.

Oh jampots .