And once the children are back, the playdates and birthday party invitations begin again. I have noticed, as the children grow older, it's not feasible to have a whole class party every year. For one reason, it costs a fortune, and another is that as the children grow up, they form their own friendships and define their social lives out on the playground.
But what if you think your child isn't being included in these new friendships? What can you do as a parent, who isn't meant to be putting their nose into their child's business but their lack of invites is too apparent?
First of all, remember, this is your child's life and you don't want to cause a scene that will backfire on your child when you are out of the picture.
Secondly, talk to your child about what they like about school. Stick to positives, don't ask negative questions that will lead to negative responses.
Then move on to the other children, ask your child who they play with, or who they like to talk to if they say they don't play. If you really don't get any names out of your child, it's time to speak to their teacher.
Once you have a name, invite that child over for a playdate. Keep out of the kids way whilst they are playing, but keep an ear open to listen for clues on how it's going. If it goes well, you have a friend for your child. Don't necessarily wait for the other child's parents to reciprocate. If you don't get a return invite but the playdate went well, then invite that child over again. It doesn't have to be like for like, other families diaries and home styles don't always open up for playdates.
The main thing to remember is that you are doing this for your child, not to get a response from others, not to get invites, but to build friendships that will hopefully last. Don't wait for your child to be invited. Do the inviting, encourage the friendships and support your child in their decisions to be happy.
