Posted by Belinda on 21:02 Jan 11
In Reply to: Ds8 doesn't have any friends. I'm beginning to worry...(m) posted by Sue G in PA
3 out of 4 of my kids have tended to be socially awkward. Through scouts they have had to be in an environment where they interact with other kids. Its not an instant thing it has taken one of my dds years to bond and become friends with some of the girls (she's very introverted and aloof).
The good news is 8 is really young to worry about it. You could get him involved in 4-h, awanas, or any other group it doesn't have to be scouts and it doesn't have to be until he's 11 or 12. I think kids develop differently this way. More than likely he'll be fine. I would just make sure he feels good about himself, coach him, and talk, talk, talk. He has many years ahead of him and he may end up a quiet guy anyway. That's okay. :)
I have really struggled to accept my kids where they are and accept their personalities when they are different than the accepted cultural norm. Its okay to be different. I think kids are compared so much it can be harmful. They are expected to all fit a certain mold or there's something wrong.
Keep watching him but don't worry too much or panic. He has a lot of time left to develop, learn, and grow. :)