Would it be odd to invite school parents to meet up outside of school runs?

[EdgyRedSloth]

I'm thinking of inviting a few parents from my child's school to a get-together (with kids). Not necessarily the parents of kids my child seems closest to, but the ones I find are friendly and approachable at pick up/drop off. We all work so none of us are at all drop offs/pick ups, and often we're all rushing off after to log back on to work so we can't hang around and chat or do any impromptu plans. All the kids are key stage 1, so still little.

My question is, would you hate that? I'm quite outgoing so I'd love to be invited to anything social, but I don't know if some people would find it strange/too forward. There isn't a class whatsapp and only one parent has done an all-class birthday party this year, so theres no natural ways to build relationships with other parents. I just really would love to have more meaningful friendships with local parents and its just not going to happen in the 5 mins of the odd pick up or drop off. I obviously won't mind if people dont want to come and wouldnt be remotely upset if they said as such, I just cant tell if its weird to do or not and don't want a rep for being a weirdo when I still have to see these people for years to come!

We had a few mums' nights out and there was the occasional picnic in the holidays. sounds fine.

I don’t think it’s weird at all. I’d do my best to go to something like this if I could. I’d probably try and make it an open invite to all the parents in whatever year your child is in at least to start with. Otherwise it might seem a bit cliquey. Also you never know who you might end up gelling with if you’ve not previously had much chance to chat with them.

I don’t think you’ll be considered a weirdo for making the suggestion. At best there will be lots who are pleased that you made the first move and are eager to meet up, at worst, people will be noncommittal about it. They won’t think you’re weird, it just won’t be up there on their list of priorities. Either way, I’d go for it. They will only think you’re weird if you keep on and on about meeting every time you see them, even if there’s no interest. At that point they might start avoiding you! That won’t happen, though, because you sound confident and gregarious enough to carry it off without a hint of weirdness! Nothing ventured….

You could suggest going for a coffee one day after drop off/before pick up, quite casual and low key.

I don’t think it’s weird, but definitely easier to do within the context of a class WhatsApp as you can more casually ask if anyone fancies meeting up for drinks or whatever you want to suggest.

I don't think it's weird in the slightest.

That's not weird at all! I'm really grateful to the mum's who reached out to me in the first instance as I'm quite shy. I've made some great friendships 🙂

Absolutely not weird.