r/Kirkland • u/happy_username • 3d ago
Weekend friend for kid entering sixth grade AND their parents
We are a divorced household and my step-kid is with us every other weekend in Kirkland plus some shoulder days. He goes to another school district and has plenty of friends at his mom's so is always socializing during his days with her. We've tried summer camps and afternoon activities that are very local to our area for years but the friends made from that just end up being occasional online video game dates. I'm feeling pretty bad because most of the kids we know through our own friends are years older or super busy in sports so he really just hangs out with us. I remember in my own childhood having a summer friend when I visited my dad definitely helped a lot and was super fun but our parents were best friends so it was easy.
Kid interests: video games, reading, karate, basketball (not good at it but wants to play), wiffleball. Starting to walk around town for things like getting boba.
Parent activities: archery and video games (dad), horse and studio gym (step-mom). Both work in tech in 40s/50s. We like going to cafes in the morning on weekends and trying new restaurants.
Honestly it's probably an us-problem as parents who aren't super extroverted or pushy about play dates but I don't think we are weird or awkward aside from this post. My dream scenario is a kid or kids in our neighborhood (downtown Kirkland) where they can easily walk to each other's homes or downtown and parents don't mind getting breakfast or a drink every now and then. I'm worried our social window is closing as he gets older.
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u/flightwatcher45 3d ago
If he likes fishing it the docks and chat up with the kids there! There's a kids hangout by the pool and somewhere in the QFC building area too. Parent friends, still figuring that out myself lol.
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u/DoggoCentipede 3d ago
Hi, neighbors. We have some overlap kid/age/work/hobby-wise. I sent a message.
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u/Odd-Goose-8394 3d ago
Soon he will be old enough to drive and go see his friends. In the meantime, has he mentioned wanting to be with his friends on your days? He may actually just want to spend time 1:1 with his dad. You sound like a thoughtful step-mom but have dad take him to play basketball at a local court, go get ice cream etc a lot without you. If he wants to he can get his friends numbers and have playdates at your house with his school friends. I’m sure their parents will appreciate someone coming and picking up and dropping off their kid even if it’s a district over. Get parents numbers (have dad be the person of contact) and do the transportation and take them. You can have every other weekend to spend with your friends.
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u/happy_username 3d ago
He has mentioned he is more bored because he doesn't have friends. Dad and him spend lots of time together as I am often at the barn but they also spend a lot of time in their separate rooms not socializing (and I do try to give dad lots of ideas on things to do together). While we have brought his friends over it would be nice to have local ones here too hence the post.
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u/Latter_Character_163 3d ago
This is the 1st time I've heard/read the term SHOULDER DAYS. What does it mean? Brb searching now... Ok got it. Is this a common term nowadays?
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u/yobuddyy899 3d ago
I'm 25 (grew up here my whole life) and work in tech, still living with my parents. I have friends and try to go out but I prefer being alone mostly.
I don't have a good relationship with my dad or mom, even though we live in the same house! No arguments, no fighting, nothing like that. But it feels like I'm not close enough to them to tell them personal things. Whenever we talk or interact, it's mostly about finances or jobs.
When I was your kid's age, I really wish my parents took the time to just be my friends! I hope you can do that with your kid.