My husband and I just moved to a new city with my 11 year old son - we have him one day a week during school (he is in a different school district that is year round) plus E/O weekend and the majority of his school breaks. We know there are kids in our new neighborhood we just don't know how to get to know them since they are in traditional school. Any suggestions on how to meet families with kids so my son has some friends at our house too?
Thanks to Everyone for their great suggestions!!! I also went online with the local school district and found their Recreation and Community Services fliers.
Funny Thing - some girls about his age came to the door over the weekend and they were playing a game called "bigger and better" - where they upgrade an item by going door to door - I think they had an ornament... I'm thinking the Treasure Hunt game might be a fun thing for he and his (more outgoing) cousins to do to find out where the kids are - Supervised of course!! :o)
You can go to the community center and sign him up for different activities. That way he will meet boys his age. Also take him to the park when other kids are out playing. Kids always play together there.
I have a son 10ys old and live in Victorville. What area do you guys live in?
Have you tried joining the YMCA or other clubs for kids his age. I have my grandson evry summer, he is 10 and he enjoys alot of the activies at the YMCA and has made many friends there. Good luck.
Hi M., One idea would be to host a small BBQ at your home on one of the weekends you have your son. That would give you and your husband an opportunity to get to know some of the adults and your son to get aquainted with their children. Maybe even plan some age appro. activities for them so they have to interact. Hope this helps. God Bless, H. A.
Hi M.,
What about looking into a boy scout troop for your son? I imagine joining a league (such as basketball or softball) will be difficult with your schedule, but you may be able to find some that work with your schedule. Just being out playing in the neighborhood is a great way to meet other kids. If you go for a bike ride with your son and you're sure to run into some other kids. My son is only 6 1/2 (and the little one is 3), but if you'd like to get together just let me know. I'm in Clairemont. All the best,
C.
I would suggest checking if there are local playgrounds or skateparks (in- or outdoor) that the neighborhood kids play at.
One of my friends with 3 weekend step-daughters arranged for a scavenger hunt through the neighborhood which gave them a chance to knock on doors and meet the neighbors, as well have fun in the process.
Do you by chance live in Torrance, PV, san pedro, long beach or LA? the reason i ask is because a group of families from Mamasource got together and started a family social group. We get together 1 time a month and the kids interact, and we interact. It is really fun. Are you interested?
debbie
Dear M., Talk it over with the other moms and families around you, they have been dealing with this scheduling problem and probably have some good ideas. C. N.
Though the neighborhood should really be the ones welcoming you, why don't you have a small "meet and greet" party? Invite some neighbors you've seen with kids around your kids age. Two hours max. That way you'll get to meet the parents as well.
Also, check out afterschool activities in the local park or recreation facility (or the like). Often your neighbor is sending their kids there for classes or sports activities and you'd never know it otherwise. This can lead to carpooling and shared interests and friendships.
Have you thought about getting involved in a local church?
I would suggest heading down to your local community center and taking a look at some upcoming activities. Since your son isn't with you all the time, a sports program or other activity that has frequent, regular meetings won't work. But see if there are any one-time events that might interest your son. While you're there, see if you can strike up a conversation with parents or encourage your son to strike up a conversation with another kid his age. You can start the new relationship knowing that at least you have one interest in common!
Good luck!
Check out www.meetup.com. They list playgroups in your area that will match with your personal interests.
A. T.
