New School - just being friendly or over the top

[time4chocolate]

Hello - I am hoping that you can let me have your thoughts on this as I am not sure what to do - DD1 aged 6 (ASD) started new mainstream school two weeks ago. On her second day she was invited to a classmates house for tea, which although I thought was a bit early, (and I dont know the parents) I was keen for her to make friends and so agreed to let her go. A few days later I was approached by the parents of new friend and we were making polite conversation when I mentioned that I had my DD1 in the afterschool club for an hour whilst I collected older DD from other school 20 mins away. The parents then said that they wouldnt mind collecting DD1 from school and then I can collect her from their house rather than paying for after school club!!. Then today I was approached by the father who aked me if both my DDs and I would like to go to their house for dinner. Given that she has only been there 2 weeks is this too much too soon and should I be concerned given that I hardly know the parents or am I just being plain unsociable for not wanting to take up their offers?

They are being friendly.

Are they outgoing people who regularly have lots of people round at their home? I ask that because we are, and it does sound as if they are trying to help you out and make you and your DC feel welcome.

Sounds like they are just being nice. They probably invited you round for dinner so you know who they are seeing as they offered to take your daughter for you, Personally, I would politely decline on the offer to take your daughter instead of her going to the after school club as if things don't work out you could be stranded. But I am someone who doesnt like to rely on friends for childcare as I have seen it go belly up before. You could say something along the lines of wanting her to get to know as many people as possible. I would go to their place for dinner as it gives you a chance to see what they are really like.

I once had the mum of Ds's classmate invite me and DH to go on holiday with her family after playdate.

I had met her twice.

Was a bit

However I think she was just getting a bit carried away as her DS had a few behaviour issues and she was just glad her DS had found a friend.

Message withdrawn

I think that you are very lucky to have come across a bunch of parents wo seem to making a real effort to make you feel part of the group! I can say froim personal experience and from other threads I have read on here that it can sometimes take months if not years to make friends with the other parents - and, in the primary years at least, that is still very important in terms of helping your DC make strong friendships.