Likes to play alone

Q: My eight-year-old seems to have lots of friends at school, but when I suggest having one or two over for a playdate, he often says he doesn’t want to see them. And he is rarely invited to other kids’ houses. Should I worry or let him be?

A: It may be that the time he spends playing with other kids at school is enough for him and when he’s at home, he wants some downtime. If he’s busy with school and other activities, I wouldn’t worry. Speak with his teacher to find out about his social life at school, or simply ask him. Maybe there’s something at home he finds embarrassing because he thinks his home is different from other kids’. Generally, however, if he has friends at school, I would let it be.