My ds is an only child and we don't have family living near. We originally planned to join our families and live abroad but it never worked out - quite a long story. DS has his own special interests but compromises to fit in with class friends. He really tries and I'm proud of him, but he needs friends that love him a bit more! He is very warmhearted and likes hugging but has been put off because he said his friends don't like things like that. He is also very inclusive and will welcome in all ages but finds his school friends regularly exclude others outside their circle or age group. For example, he told me recently that he wanted to play with a boy from Y2 (regularly tries Y2 kids) and when he suggested it to his best Y1 friend, his friend said: I dont play with him and I dont know him. But ds will happily play with all age groups including toddlers - the little sweetheart. He's doing OK at school but I can see his friends are going in different directions he's not always too happy. When I see how much love he gets from his own family/cousins aboard I know what he is lacking - he is very loving and family minded. We are now part of a irregular group of class kids/mums who attend eachothers parties and events and go for odd days out etc, and I will always keep this going and I'm grateful for it. He'd happily do more ball sports and soft play centres but is getting fed up of going alone with me! I know loads of other mums whose kids match him/us in interests, but getting the mums out is another matter. We also go to various sports clubs - unfortunately alone - the other kids are willing, but their mums are nice but too busy or cancel at the hint of a rainy day!
Has anyone got any tips or advice? Are there any known organisations for Only Children where parents and kids can link up? Mentoring organisations for younger kids? I only suggest this because we need people more than people need us - an organisation that deals with these kinds of issues would understand that it can be quite isolating sometimes. I checked Gingerbread, but they said strictly lone parents only. Thing is, I often feel like a lone parent because sadly DH is very part time, often away, usually executively stressed, self absorbed and more of a man's man rather than a family man - that is a separate issue that I have to make decisions on soon - meanwhile ds is my responsibility because dh will never sort his needs out. Sorting ds weekend activities are my department and ds is definitely looking for strong male role models that, sadly he is not getting at home.
Advice/suggestions needed please!!