I am on the same page as OP. No mood for socializing. I don’t socialize with other parents at school and that’s fine. I don’t think anyone is offended.

My closest friends today are the parents of kids that were in the same class of my kids at some point. I have to say it’s mostly through my middle child. I still have a good group of friends from before having kids, but unfortunately most of them moved away and I donMt see them very often.

As much or as little as you want. But you never know...with an open mind, you might like them. Would that be so bad?

Pre school and elementary - quite a bit. Middle school - fairly regularly. High school almost never.

My kid started at a very small DC private in middle school. We were the newest family and things just didn't click very well for us. They had many get togethers with both parents and kids.

I would introduce yourself and exchange pleasantries with parents but it is not expected for you to be present at everything. It is true that some families may vacation together. Sometimes that is parent-driven and sometimes it is kid-driven. If that is not something you do, your kid may or may not feel badly about it. It really depends on the school, your child's perception of the situation and the friends that they do make in school and the strength of those bonds.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child is starting a new school and I’m not in the mood to socialize. This is middle school so I’m fairly certain we are past the age of play dates with moms included.

Am I in the clear?

I’m happy to host and drive tweens around.

Depends on the school. Some schools the parents are definitely hanging out and taking vacations together and hanging at the country club together. Yes for sure. To suggest otherwise would not be telling the truth. Yes some for graduation are taking father/son trips or mom/daughter trips and yes you may or may not be included and you may not care but your child may care. This is the honest answer.

If they’re hanging out at the country club together or taking vacations together, it’s likely because they were already friends and their kids just so happen to go to the same school. I highly doubt they would expect OP to join them

Anonymous wrote:My child is starting a new school and I’m not in the mood to socialize. This is middle school so I’m fairly certain we are past the age of play dates with moms included.

Am I in the clear?

I’m happy to host and drive tweens around.

Depends on the school. Some schools the parents are definitely hanging out and taking vacations together and hanging at the country club together. Yes for sure. To suggest otherwise would not be telling the truth. Yes some for graduation are taking father/son trips or mom/daughter trips and yes you may or may not be included and you may not care but your child may care. This is the honest answer.

Anonymous wrote:There are a lot of middle schoolers at my playground. They don’t use the playground equipment, of course; instead, they gather in the back and hang out in groups. Many of them also meet at the library to work on school projects. Other popular spots seem to be Target and the mall. As for Starbucks, I’ve never actually seen them there, but I trust you.

My local Tatte fills up with groups of middle school kids when they're dismissed every weekday.

A lot. You are probably in the clear though since you don't know any of them.Just don't' try to get to know them.