Does anyone else worry about their kids socialising? We moved away from our hometown a few years ago and have no family where we live now but have made a few good friends over the years. I feel bad for my kids ( 5, 8) because they don’t really see any of their friends outside of school. They have maybe 2-4 friends we see on play dates every once and awhile but I don’t let them outside in the street like when I was a child. I honestly just don’t have the energy to make new mum friends and I feel like my kids miss out because I’m not trying. Will good friendships come as they get older? Am I too strict not letting them go to their friends houses? I don’t allow sleepovers either unless it’s at our house. I’m really not comfortable leaving them at this age at their friends house when I don’t know the parents well.
2 Replies
My husband used to tease me about being like this but honestly my kids have grown up to be great friends to their siblings and to others. I think sleep overs are not necessary so very few have ever been allowed and none before 14. They are well adjusted socially mature individuals and my husband has had to eat his words
I think having friends and feeling part of things is important. Theres a balance though because also being part of an extended family is important. If they chat on phone or video call, get cards and gifts, have visits, are close with them even if physically far away that does a lot for them. If they havent got that, then friendships and out of school connections and time away from home and parents becomes more important.