I’m honestly perplexed. This year, my daughter embarked on her third-grade journey at a new school in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Back in our old area, she had a solid group of friends, and playdates were as common as weekend plans. But now? I’m getting hit with random requests from other parents to set up time for our kids to hang out—even with kids who aren’t in her class (insert a huge eye-roll here because my brain feels like it’s on overload just thinking about this).
Perhaps the term ‘hang out’ is part of the issue. I have a hunch that the other moms at this new school might not use that phrase. So, I’m reaching out to you, fellow parents—can you help me decode this? Is this what they call networking?
Why do I feel like I’m walking into a social minefield I didn’t even know existed? I’m not trying to be a curmudgeon—those who know me can vouch that I’m nowhere near Drake’s “no new friends” mantra (bring on the love!). But I’ve got a lot on my plate right now, so the thought of navigating this new social landscape feels a little overwhelming.
Maybe you Googled me; perhaps I’ll Google you. Oh, look, you’re a top executive at a cutting-edge think tank—call me, friend! Kidding, of course. However, the idea of networking through our kids seems a bit tacky. Still, I can’t deny I’m intrigued by it.
Is it a cultural thing? Hey there, moms (and dads), I’m all about mixing it up, but I grew up in a world without playdates. After-school hours were for homework and silence. Now, my daughter’s schedule is filled with extracurriculars like drama and swimming lessons, followed by homework, dinner, and then it’s bedtime.
Uh-oh. Maybe my tiger mom instincts have kicked in too hard. Even though my daughter’s activities are nothing compared to my brother’s three daughters—who are off ice skating competitively and leading robotics clubs—this feels like first- and second-generation American chaos. Isn’t school meant for learning? Or is it…
Am I just the odd one out? Where’s the time for all this socializing? I might have to accept that I’m the weirdo in this school scenario (which, honestly, I’m used to). I’m a single mom juggling small businesses and a 45-minute commute to school. I’m tackling this all on my own, folks.
I politely told one mom (a total stranger, mind you) that I would need at least a week or two of notice to arrange a playdate or coffee date with our girls. I never heard back from her again. So, fellow misfits, what’s the deal? Are my daughter and I destined for social isolation at this otherwise great school? Do I need to jump on this bandwagon, like, yesterday? I know you can shed light on this mystery. Just please, don’t ask me for a playdate.
This article was originally published on Oct. 1, 2014.
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Summary
In this article, Mia Thompson shares her bewilderment over the social dynamics of parenthood, especially regarding playdates and networking through children. As a busy single mom, she reflects on how different her upbringing was from the current trends, questioning whether she and her daughter will fit into this new environment.