DS going to friends after school

[DrHildegardeLanstrom]

DS is in year 7. We are keen to support him making friends and don't have any problem with him going to friends' houses on a Friday after school if he is free, or at the weekend. But he has asked to go to a friend's already twice this week and I feel he should be home resting and relaxing, doing homework, eating at home etc on school evenings so we have said no. Apart from certain special occasions. He thinks this is completely out of order - what do you all think?

It's fine to me to go to friends' houses in the week. I would agree a plan regarding homework e.g. home by a certain time or do it before he goes. I don't see why chilling at home is any better than at a friend's. I would expect lots of kids do things in the week including clubs and seeing friends. Some families may prefer the weekend as family time.

What are friends' parents like? If they're ok, just let him. He doesn't need to be "resting and relaxing at home", he's a kid, not a OAP.

much nicer resting and relaxing with his friends.

Is there a good reason for you to want to isolate him from his peers?