We live in Sweden and my eldest DS1 (6) has just started school a few months back in mid-August. So cultural differences aside, I'm hoping for some supportive advice, whilst noting that I am suffering insomnia (no doubt making me anxious about the situation) and am 36 weeks pregnant (hormones going bananas, had to get up during yesterday's parent-teacher interview at school, as I thought I may cry !)

It seems that DS1 has trouble making initial contact with peers/socialising. It's only been 2 months, and still feels that everyone is in a settling period. He seemed to be ok at preschool where the play/environment was a lot more structured (and all 9 children moved to the local primary school he is attending, 5 of which are in his class). Every time I pick him up, he is playing on his own (the school day runs from 8-1 here, then from 1 onwards, there is a less-structured "play-based" activities (where the kids chose basically what they want to do)...it's basically semi-supervised after-school care.

DS1 doesn't seem sad, doesn't complain (and occasionally is playing with a group of different people) but I am sad for him, remembering how much sucky stuff I went through in my childhood without complaining. So maybe I need to work on myself LOL! I was often left out at school and I think that's what's upsetting me. I hate the thought of him being somewhere he is not thriving, or worse still, unhappy.

He spends a lot of time watching youtube clips of people playing minecraft (DH and I have different/polar attitudes to screens, but if it were up to me, we would have much less access to them), so I am worried this is affecting his socialising skills.

As I am working from home and have a flexible day, the crazy thought of going to play (and observe) has even crossed my mind, as they're often outdoors. I am aware that my own reactions could make the situation worse and I need to give DS1 as loving/secure an environment as possible so he is confident in himself and plays with others happily.

Thanks for letting me ramble at 4am - your constructive support is much appreciated!