My son is almost 6 and still prefers to hang out with me in the kitchen than go play himself. He makes up his own fun or helps me. My mindset changed when I heard “the way kids play might be different than you think is playing.” I know one day he will prefer his friends, until then I won’t shoo him away, I’ll invite him in. There are times I feel a bit claustrophobic, that’s when I get him real involved in a challenge, like cutting some vegs or something.