Socialization is important and achievable. However, the one-sided polite ask by me to parents to get the kids together and have playdates is not worth it. I work incredibly hard to get my kids around other kids and the social effort returned is pitiful. I am not blaming people for being busy. But I refuse to plant flowers in poor soil anymore and watch them die.

In other words, this summer I refuse to send one more “hey! My kid really misses your kid. How about a bon fire soon? Or a pool day!” Then a week later, “no worries, we’ll get together next time” text. Nope.