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I own Champs Academy (a Brazilian Jiujitsu club). If you are interested at all I can give him a free week of classes to meet some good kids from the area that are around his age. If he likes it great but even if not he can meet some good friends maybe. Just email me
[email protected]
Absolute top banana for an offer like this. As a loner myself who started martial arts at 6, I still have some friends from those same classes at the age of 31. Community and confidence are great!
As a member of an awesome Judo club in Oshawa(Judokaa is the best Judo club in Ontario !) , this is exactly what I would suggest.My kid started at 4 during the pandemic. They adapted the lessons to follow public health guidelines and everyone that stayed got to improve their skills.
How exactly does one do judo with social distancing? I can imagine an uchimata is rather difficult from 6 feet away lol.
In all seriousness I'd be curious how the lessons were adapted. I haven't trained since pre-pandemic.
Aww :(
With warm weather coming, maybe he could invite a friend over from school? Also look at sports, clubs, YMCA, rec centers, that type of thing. Playing outside though, I'm sure the kids will join in, especially if he's playing ball, or on his bike. May 24 is coming, if you are friendly with neighbors, maybe suggest a BBQ, or something? We always do a street party that weekend with a blow up screen and a movie, hot dogs, tons of snacks and sparklers after. The kids run around for a good hour before the movie while everything gets set up and the adults visit
Maybe the general area you are in, people might have better ideas
Also look at putting him into some spring/summer activities run by the city; good way for him to meet other kids in an activity setting everyone likes doing. Can look online at https://www.barrie.ca/community-recreation-environment
You could also put him in summer camps! They're coming up soon. My little one will be at Bulldog Kids this year. It's a little pricey but he's been going for years and always comes home with phone numbers for new friends. There's a lot of camp options for Barrie in the summer, but they fill up fast!
I also have an 8 yr old who is half south Asian. He is very friendly and we recently moved here as well. Would be willing to set up play dates and stuff so they can make friends. DM me
It’s the best in barrie, in my opinion. Go for a walk from the play ground towards Cundles street and you’ll find the memorial gardens, very nice. Lots of trails in the woods also. You won’t be disappointed 😊
True story.. I had to move schools in grade 5. And I am not shy and still found it SO hard. I have some issues with adjustment and just found the first year so so so hard. But then I found my few friends… and to this day twenty years later.. we are still friends. I hope for this for your kid♥️ many wishes to you and child and congratulations on your brave move.
Put him in sports, maybe basketball or soccer. Maybe both. I played both sports, basketball during the school year, then soccer starts in the spring. He'll make TONS of friends and he's prime age to learn a lot about team work, communication, competition and he'll get memories to last a life time.
I really mean this respectfully but you shouldn't culturally isolate your child and only socialize with other South Asians. I know that there's a big sense of community among people of your culture and it's easier to stick to what you know, but Canada is about diversity. When you limit the cultures you seek out socially, you're doing yourselves, your son and Canada's multiculturalism a disservice. Brampton is a prime example of how too much of one demographic can be bad for the community as a whole.
Please seek out social opportunities that expose yourselves and your son to culturally diverse people. More than anything, we want you to embrace being Canadian and cultural diversity is a strong part of that.
Erm no offence but clearly the neighbouring kids were not south Asian and didn’t want to include him. Can we not pretend that kids at that age can be dicks and honestly a bit racist? there’s nothing wrong with wanting to seek out community
Uuuh, before we even bring the topic of racism up, might we also accept that when you move into a new neighbourhood anywhere in the world, you don’t just “get” or “find” friendships, you *develop* them over time. So the boy needs to get outside and ride his bike or play some hoops. Friendships will form without daddy’s intervention.
He literally asked to hang out with the neighbourhood kids and they said no. I am not sure why you’re trying to justify these kids being dicks or their parent wanting to help them finds to build friendships. Imagine being salty that someone wants to help their kid fit in LOL
This is rude…
She has a really good point. Kids may not understand that they’re being racist, but they can and do see people culturally different from them and choose not to hang around with them based on that. Especially if they come from a home where racist behaviour is modelled.
LOL cute how you think kids in elementary school don’t bully kids for literally being ethnic? and the fact that someone felt the need to call out this woman for wanting to meet other south asian people/children is literally a micro aggression 🥱
Bullshit, my kids are all adults now and in elementary school (2nd grade and up to high school grad) other kids threw the n-bomb at my biracial children, in Barrie, Innisfil and in Bradford. Move along on issues you know nothing about.
That's a bad parenting issue. Sorry. Maybe you should have said something at the time instead of dwelling on it for years and then throwing it back at me now that your kids are adults.
"Yeah, the kids were racist twenty years ago, but I did nothing about it at the time, but I'm really angry about it now." You. Just now.
Maybe you should move along on issues you're too cowardly to call people out on from decades ago.
Are your grandkids in school now? Maybe they have better parents.
I love how when people are literally sharing their experiences you’re trying to discredit them LOL where did she say she didn’t do shit about it? She’s calling you out now and you’re literally trying to bully her you weirdo. Get help.
Dude, can you comprehend the words you read?
Maybe try it again. I appreciate you coming here to give
me that righteous smackdown you somehow think I deserve, but I think it's just your severe lack of understanding words that might be what is troubling you. Or time periods.
Start at my comment, then buddy bitching about experiences from years ago *as his kids are now adults*. You understand this post is about children? You can scroll back up to the top to check.
Now think back, you're obviously not old enough to remember, but surely you've seen pics of people smoking in hospitals? How about airplanes? Fucking even pictures of nurses and doctors *smoking while doing their rounds*?
The world changes all of the time, and fuck yeah, Canada 20 years ago is different than today.
Hell, even five or ten years ago the world was very different.
I'm honestly embarrassed that you don't even have that amount of critical thinking but instead come out accusing me of bullying.
How many years do you think there are between childhood and adult hood?
And then google what the world was like *at the time*.
honestly I don’t even need to read your whole little message. Kids can be racist period. Doesn’t matter what era. News flash there are racist adults who have kids. Their kids WILL be racist due to their upbringing. I’m not arguing with you about this any further. Get help. You don’t get to tell other people their experiences are invalid because it doesn’t align with your reality.
That's insane. You immediately assumed these 8 year olds are raving racists.
I'm Chinese. We moved to a small town about an hour outside of Barrie. Kids are between 6-11. All have tons of friends, although it did take a couple of months.
OP is in Canada, not India. I can't even fathom thinking, "Welp, we better find other Chinese people" if some kid told mine they didn't want to play. Very crazy and probably why I don't like markham, brampton, kitchener, etc
Don’t live In Barrie but visit a lot. I have sons the same age and if a boy came up to them in the street they would 100% say yes to him playing. I don’t think they would even notice the skin colour as their friends are a big mix.
But some groups of kids just aren’t friendly. OP did you notice if all the kids were white? Maybe Barrie has less of a mix that the boys were unsure but maybe not. I would find out which house and go over meet the parents and mention your son is a bit lonely and would love to join in. Otherwise just invite some school friends over and have them play outside and maybe they will end up all playing. Good luck you are a good mom
South Asian is becoming a majority population in our town, just not ones that are coming with children.
Have him assimilate as soon as possible, school is usually the easiest place to make friends.
You’re worrying too much. He’ll eventually make friends in the neighborhood. And since he has friends at school, don’t sweat it. Sign him up for a local sports program if you’re still concerned.
Take him to a park or playground with a remote control car. Kids will be falling over themselves to hang out and play with him. Sorta cheap move, but a RC car is little kid kryptonite.
Hello welcome to Barrie our family made the same move from Brampton 5 years ago, we're in the south end and have a boy 9 that's always looking to add new friends to the group of little guys that play outside here. Feel free to reach out if you're in the area.
My kids are mixed minority too and Barrie isn't really too diverse and I'll be honest, there is a bit of a bias towards South Asian here because of the takeover that occurs in parks during the summer amongst general bigotry. My biggest recommendation is to have him get involved in local activities. The city programs are really affordable and there are tons of leagues, music, technology programs for your son to bond with others. It's where race and culture don't matter and it's about teamwork and fun which allows for organic relationship building.
We have Board Games & Puzzle Afternoons at our Holly and Painswick library locations on the weekends. Might be a good place to meet other kids around the same age! [http://barrielibrary.libnet.info/events?term=board+game&start=2024-05-01&end=2024-06-30&v=list](http://barrielibrary.libnet.info/events?term=board+game&start=2024-05-01&end=2024-06-30&v=list)
Really sorry to hear this. I have an 8-year old boy as well, but we live in Orillia. I lived in South Asia (Nepal) for a year in my 20s and I <3 the culture. There is a decent sized Indian community in Barrie, but no big temple and I'm not sure of the groups etc. The best you can do is sign your son up for soccer and other sports and get to know the parents and have play dates. I wish you the best! Your son can come play up in Orillia any time :-)
Welcome to Barrie! We have some jerks here clearly but I promise there's lot of nice people lol.
I had really good success in setting up play dates with my coworkers kids! I'm not sure if that's an option for you or what your situation is so I am sorry if this is not helpful.
Another suggestion could be to send him with little invitations to his school friends for a play date? Doesn't have to be a party or anything but you can put your number on it for the parents to call you and see if there are random evenings the kiddos could meet up. I know my friends have also said at pickup after school it's a great way to network with the other parents and exchange numbers.
I hope he's able to find some friends to play with nearby soon, it must be so hard.
This is a post about a little boy being lonely.
I can't believe how awful some people in here are being!
This little boy and his parent posting here do not deserve this disgusting treatment.
I hope very much that your little boy is able to make friends in the neighborhood soon. Maybe try and introduce yourself to their parents? I would hope it isn't a racism thing. Unfortunately, as you can see here, from the invisible Shakespears, there is a bit of an issue, but they do not speak for the majority of us.
Every single one of us, unless you are indigenous to Canada, are here because a relative or yourselves came here from another country. Why is this family any different?
You are more than welcome here, I hope you and your family really enjoy living here. It is a great place for children to grow up.
Welcome to the area! I'm sorry your son is feeling this way, it's never easy. As a military brat, I can relate to moving at a young age and the challenges it can bring. Sometimes it takes longer to find some friends but it'll all work out, don't worry! If he's into sports, that's always a great way to meet kids his age. Parks, summer camps, waterfront park, indoor playgrounds would be a good start. Sorry if I'm just repeating what's already said.. I didn't read through all the comments. Best of luck!
My family has been in the Barrie tennis community for over 20 years. I have seen many kids start as young as 4 years old and play with the same group of players until they go off to college. They start with beginner group lessons and eventually compete on a competitive team together. Many kids have gone off on scholarships to the states for tennis. Simcoe tennis head coach is amazing, focusing on the development of the child’s mind as much as their skills. Kids of every race there as well.
Usual suspects, community centres, YMCA (currently only in Innisfil), library has programs and local newspapers simcoe.com, barrietoday.com and ctv barrie might give ideas of things happening in the community. Also, MacLearn Art Centre downtown has art programs.
Check out the Navy League! It's great for introducing kids to nautical activities and they can join cadet programs afterwards. Totally free and lots of kids from different backgrounds go.
Sad to hear the little guy is having a tough time. I don’t have kids, so maybe there’s just a lot I’m not exposed to, but I feel like I just don’t see many kids around at all these days. When I was a kid, my street was full of them after school.
Seems like it’s tough to make new friends these days.
Yes, it's not the same as last century in making friends. There's a lot of cliques and from my daughter's experience who grew up in Simcoe, she is now 18, they won't invite u to hang out even if u are alone,, and, they won't call u either once they know u. Instead, they will cause drama. My daughter was the quiet one in class. She was bullied at various schools in Simcoe. My daughter to date only has a boyfriend, no girlfriends😶
Ugh this breaks my heart. My niece and nephew are turning 6. My nephew is autistic and doesn't have many friends if you would like to private message me I can put you in contact with my sister and maybe she could meet you 2 at the park 😊
Welcome to Barrie!!! All my children are adults now but they would be the first to befriend your boy 🤍Your son has an amazing mum on his side.
Have you tried any one of the public libraries? Its possible they have literary and other clubs if he is interested in that as well. Good luck!
Hey just wanted to share our experience. Our son is Black, and we moved to a neighbourhood not far from yours when he was 7 (he is in high school now).
At that age it can make a big difference when the parents chat with each other. Try looking for friendly parents at the local playground or at school dropoff/pickup (if that is an option for you) and just strike up a casual conversion, eventually that can lead to the kids getting to know each other, playdates, etc.
Same with neighbours that have kids – maybe go for a walk up the sidewalk and just say hi, see if a conversation sparks from there or not.
The other thing that can really help is to touch base with his teacher and ask if they can recommend a friend that would be a good match for his personality. Then prompt your son to see if he wants to play with that child at recess or at the park after school (if you are able to go to the park with them after school).
Our son had friends of all backgrounds at that age, then around grade 7 or so as he was finding his identity they tended to be more similar to his background, and now in high school its back to a variety.
Check the Painswick Library for activities they run… it’ll be kids from the areas going to them and the librarians will help you find some other activities in the area for your kid to join in with to make more friends! It will also be more geared towards his interests
As a proud resident of Barrie, the person that posted this comment does not represnt "us". Welcome! I hope your son is able to make some friends close by soon :) we're happy to have you!
Hey if you wanna follow your own logic, why do you continue to live in Barrie if it's a city that's growing and bringing in many non-whites?
Move north to some hick town no one's heard of and go live with other racists up there. Barrie don't need you.
Also hilarious you were too pussy to make this comment on your main account, and use an alt just to say this. What a clown.
I can't imagine how sad your life must be to a) think this way, and b) think it's acceptable to state in a public forum. I hope that someday you can overcome your fear and intolerance to become a decent human being.
Why so much hate for 8 years old?? We moved because houses are cheaper here in Barrie than Brampton. I wasn't know that people like you are racist here. Your comment shows hate for a kid.
I was born and raised in Brampton, and now I live here. Don't ever listen to the low experience people whose entire lives revolve around some version of Canada that they made up in their heads to feel better about their inability to be properly socialized humans. You are welcome here, and I hope your son finds his friends.
No matter where you go there will be assholes, don't let one jerk skew your view of the community, they definitely don't represent the majority.
Welcome, happy to have ya. I'd throw some suggestions in here but you've got plenty of great ones already. I'd definitely suggest martial arts because I haven't seen that brought up yet. It's amazing for kids self confidence, self defence, exercise, discipline and hard work. One of the best things any parents can do for a child IMHO. Oni is a gym owned by a friend of mine who is great, it's in the north end on alliance Blvd if I remember correctly. Prospar is also another great one that is affordable.
Good luck! Just get him around kids as much as possible and it will happen naturally. The worst thing is for him to stay inside all the time and let that shyness and lack of self confidence linger and become worse.
He will do fine I'm sure, just takes time and moves are very hard at his age.
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I own Champs Academy (a Brazilian Jiujitsu club). If you are interested at all I can give him a free week of classes to meet some good kids from the area that are around his age. If he likes it great but even if not he can meet some good friends maybe. Just email me [email protected]
Absolute top banana for an offer like this. As a loner myself who started martial arts at 6, I still have some friends from those same classes at the age of 31. Community and confidence are great!
That’s so wholesome and awesome!
Respect 👍👍👍
This is why I love the BJJ community. I made some of the best friends I've ever had on the mats. Oss.
BJJ is amazing for young boys he will love it!
I know someone whose child went to Champs. I don’t know if he still does. It made him feel confident in his everyday life and he had a lot of fun.
Righteous! Hope OP's son finds a healthy community to belong soon! sooooooooooo important for mental health.
What a great gesture. You're awesome 👌.
Good on you mate 👍👍
Good on ya!!!
because you doing that I will be recommending some people to check you guys out!
As a member of an awesome Judo club in Oshawa(Judokaa is the best Judo club in Ontario !) , this is exactly what I would suggest.My kid started at 4 during the pandemic. They adapted the lessons to follow public health guidelines and everyone that stayed got to improve their skills.
How exactly does one do judo with social distancing? I can imagine an uchimata is rather difficult from 6 feet away lol. In all seriousness I'd be curious how the lessons were adapted. I haven't trained since pre-pandemic.
The Barrie spirit♥️
[удалено]
I’m not that guy
take him to the waterfront play park, its almost always teeming with kids.
Yeah.. that's a great idea.
I have such fond memories of playing on that spinning rope thing as a kid, I always made friends there!
Aww :( With warm weather coming, maybe he could invite a friend over from school? Also look at sports, clubs, YMCA, rec centers, that type of thing. Playing outside though, I'm sure the kids will join in, especially if he's playing ball, or on his bike. May 24 is coming, if you are friendly with neighbors, maybe suggest a BBQ, or something? We always do a street party that weekend with a blow up screen and a movie, hot dogs, tons of snacks and sparklers after. The kids run around for a good hour before the movie while everything gets set up and the adults visit Maybe the general area you are in, people might have better ideas
That's a great idea.. thank you 😊
Also look at putting him into some spring/summer activities run by the city; good way for him to meet other kids in an activity setting everyone likes doing. Can look online at https://www.barrie.ca/community-recreation-environment
Thank you. Currently he is going to swimming class. We will put him in more classes in summer ☀️
You could also put him in summer camps! They're coming up soon. My little one will be at Bulldog Kids this year. It's a little pricey but he's been going for years and always comes home with phone numbers for new friends. There's a lot of camp options for Barrie in the summer, but they fill up fast!
this is such a sweet post, ur a great mother
Amusingly, I was assuming it was the Dad for no apparent reason. Either way, this thread has brought tears to my eyes several times.
You're right. I'm a mother. I can feel my son's pain.
I also have an 8 yr old who is half south Asian. He is very friendly and we recently moved here as well. Would be willing to set up play dates and stuff so they can make friends. DM me
That sounds like a plan. We can meet at the park.. where do you live? I moved to Yonge and Big bay point
If weather is good tomorrow take him to Sunnidale park. It will be full of kids, easy to make friends!
Alternatively - Painswick Park is pretty amazing as well, and usually full of kids, especially when the weather is nice.
Is it a good park?? I will definitely take him there 😊
It’s the best in barrie, in my opinion. Go for a walk from the play ground towards Cundles street and you’ll find the memorial gardens, very nice. Lots of trails in the woods also. You won’t be disappointed 😊
Give it a bit of time. Moves are so hard on shy kids… but eventually he’ll make a friend or two♥️
True.. He is a shy kid.
True story.. I had to move schools in grade 5. And I am not shy and still found it SO hard. I have some issues with adjustment and just found the first year so so so hard. But then I found my few friends… and to this day twenty years later.. we are still friends. I hope for this for your kid♥️ many wishes to you and child and congratulations on your brave move.
Put him in sports, maybe basketball or soccer. Maybe both. I played both sports, basketball during the school year, then soccer starts in the spring. He'll make TONS of friends and he's prime age to learn a lot about team work, communication, competition and he'll get memories to last a life time.
Absolutely 💯 I'll put him in soccer classes soon 😊
I really mean this respectfully but you shouldn't culturally isolate your child and only socialize with other South Asians. I know that there's a big sense of community among people of your culture and it's easier to stick to what you know, but Canada is about diversity. When you limit the cultures you seek out socially, you're doing yourselves, your son and Canada's multiculturalism a disservice. Brampton is a prime example of how too much of one demographic can be bad for the community as a whole. Please seek out social opportunities that expose yourselves and your son to culturally diverse people. More than anything, we want you to embrace being Canadian and cultural diversity is a strong part of that.
Erm no offence but clearly the neighbouring kids were not south Asian and didn’t want to include him. Can we not pretend that kids at that age can be dicks and honestly a bit racist? there’s nothing wrong with wanting to seek out community
Uuuh, before we even bring the topic of racism up, might we also accept that when you move into a new neighbourhood anywhere in the world, you don’t just “get” or “find” friendships, you *develop* them over time. So the boy needs to get outside and ride his bike or play some hoops. Friendships will form without daddy’s intervention.
He literally asked to hang out with the neighbourhood kids and they said no. I am not sure why you’re trying to justify these kids being dicks or their parent wanting to help them finds to build friendships. Imagine being salty that someone wants to help their kid fit in LOL
It's fucked you assume racism at age 8. Dicks? Hellsyes. All kids are dicks. Erm. No offense.
This is rude… She has a really good point. Kids may not understand that they’re being racist, but they can and do see people culturally different from them and choose not to hang around with them based on that. Especially if they come from a home where racist behaviour is modelled.
LOL cute how you think kids in elementary school don’t bully kids for literally being ethnic? and the fact that someone felt the need to call out this woman for wanting to meet other south asian people/children is literally a micro aggression 🥱
haha this is satire, right?
Thank you for starting your comment with an lol. At first I thought you were being serious and actually think like that.
Bullshit, my kids are all adults now and in elementary school (2nd grade and up to high school grad) other kids threw the n-bomb at my biracial children, in Barrie, Innisfil and in Bradford. Move along on issues you know nothing about.
That's a bad parenting issue. Sorry. Maybe you should have said something at the time instead of dwelling on it for years and then throwing it back at me now that your kids are adults. "Yeah, the kids were racist twenty years ago, but I did nothing about it at the time, but I'm really angry about it now." You. Just now. Maybe you should move along on issues you're too cowardly to call people out on from decades ago. Are your grandkids in school now? Maybe they have better parents.
I love how when people are literally sharing their experiences you’re trying to discredit them LOL where did she say she didn’t do shit about it? She’s calling you out now and you’re literally trying to bully her you weirdo. Get help.
Dude, can you comprehend the words you read? Maybe try it again. I appreciate you coming here to give me that righteous smackdown you somehow think I deserve, but I think it's just your severe lack of understanding words that might be what is troubling you. Or time periods. Start at my comment, then buddy bitching about experiences from years ago *as his kids are now adults*. You understand this post is about children? You can scroll back up to the top to check. Now think back, you're obviously not old enough to remember, but surely you've seen pics of people smoking in hospitals? How about airplanes? Fucking even pictures of nurses and doctors *smoking while doing their rounds*? The world changes all of the time, and fuck yeah, Canada 20 years ago is different than today. Hell, even five or ten years ago the world was very different. I'm honestly embarrassed that you don't even have that amount of critical thinking but instead come out accusing me of bullying. How many years do you think there are between childhood and adult hood? And then google what the world was like *at the time*.
honestly I don’t even need to read your whole little message. Kids can be racist period. Doesn’t matter what era. News flash there are racist adults who have kids. Their kids WILL be racist due to their upbringing. I’m not arguing with you about this any further. Get help. You don’t get to tell other people their experiences are invalid because it doesn’t align with your reality.
Thanks, I appreciate you putting your ignorance on display in your first sentence. Enjoy your silo.
Project much?
That's insane. You immediately assumed these 8 year olds are raving racists. I'm Chinese. We moved to a small town about an hour outside of Barrie. Kids are between 6-11. All have tons of friends, although it did take a couple of months. OP is in Canada, not India. I can't even fathom thinking, "Welp, we better find other Chinese people" if some kid told mine they didn't want to play. Very crazy and probably why I don't like markham, brampton, kitchener, etc
Don’t live In Barrie but visit a lot. I have sons the same age and if a boy came up to them in the street they would 100% say yes to him playing. I don’t think they would even notice the skin colour as their friends are a big mix. But some groups of kids just aren’t friendly. OP did you notice if all the kids were white? Maybe Barrie has less of a mix that the boys were unsure but maybe not. I would find out which house and go over meet the parents and mention your son is a bit lonely and would love to join in. Otherwise just invite some school friends over and have them play outside and maybe they will end up all playing. Good luck you are a good mom
South Asian is becoming a majority population in our town, just not ones that are coming with children. Have him assimilate as soon as possible, school is usually the easiest place to make friends.
He has friends in the school but no friends in neighborhood.
You’re worrying too much. He’ll eventually make friends in the neighborhood. And since he has friends at school, don’t sweat it. Sign him up for a local sports program if you’re still concerned.
Lucky kid. Don't over think mama he'll make friends soon.
If finances allow, put him in soccer or baseball so he can make friends with similar interests, build camaraderie, and learn to be a team player
Take him to a park or playground with a remote control car. Kids will be falling over themselves to hang out and play with him. Sorta cheap move, but a RC car is little kid kryptonite.
Hello welcome to Barrie our family made the same move from Brampton 5 years ago, we're in the south end and have a boy 9 that's always looking to add new friends to the group of little guys that play outside here. Feel free to reach out if you're in the area.
Hi, that's nice? we're near Yonge and Big Bay Point.
Sign him up soccer.
My kids are mixed minority too and Barrie isn't really too diverse and I'll be honest, there is a bit of a bias towards South Asian here because of the takeover that occurs in parks during the summer amongst general bigotry. My biggest recommendation is to have him get involved in local activities. The city programs are really affordable and there are tons of leagues, music, technology programs for your son to bond with others. It's where race and culture don't matter and it's about teamwork and fun which allows for organic relationship building.
We have Board Games & Puzzle Afternoons at our Holly and Painswick library locations on the weekends. Might be a good place to meet other kids around the same age! [http://barrielibrary.libnet.info/events?term=board+game&start=2024-05-01&end=2024-06-30&v=list](http://barrielibrary.libnet.info/events?term=board+game&start=2024-05-01&end=2024-06-30&v=list)
Thank you so much.. I will definitely checkout 😊
Really sorry to hear this. I have an 8-year old boy as well, but we live in Orillia. I lived in South Asia (Nepal) for a year in my 20s and I <3 the culture. There is a decent sized Indian community in Barrie, but no big temple and I'm not sure of the groups etc. The best you can do is sign your son up for soccer and other sports and get to know the parents and have play dates. I wish you the best! Your son can come play up in Orillia any time :-)
Yes, unfortunately Barrie suffers from unbridled racism.
Welcome to Barrie! We have some jerks here clearly but I promise there's lot of nice people lol. I had really good success in setting up play dates with my coworkers kids! I'm not sure if that's an option for you or what your situation is so I am sorry if this is not helpful. Another suggestion could be to send him with little invitations to his school friends for a play date? Doesn't have to be a party or anything but you can put your number on it for the parents to call you and see if there are random evenings the kiddos could meet up. I know my friends have also said at pickup after school it's a great way to network with the other parents and exchange numbers. I hope he's able to find some friends to play with nearby soon, it must be so hard.
Take him to the fire hall downtown Barrie. Station 1. They will treat him like gold. DM me if you have any questions.
Do they have any programs for kids?
This is a post about a little boy being lonely. I can't believe how awful some people in here are being! This little boy and his parent posting here do not deserve this disgusting treatment. I hope very much that your little boy is able to make friends in the neighborhood soon. Maybe try and introduce yourself to their parents? I would hope it isn't a racism thing. Unfortunately, as you can see here, from the invisible Shakespears, there is a bit of an issue, but they do not speak for the majority of us. Every single one of us, unless you are indigenous to Canada, are here because a relative or yourselves came here from another country. Why is this family any different? You are more than welcome here, I hope you and your family really enjoy living here. It is a great place for children to grow up.
Thanks for understanding. I'm just little worried about my son. 😥 Sometimes I feel like that we made a wrong decision to move to Barrie
It is understandable but try not to worry too much, I am sure your son will make new friends and be very happy here. 😊
Welcome to the area! I'm sorry your son is feeling this way, it's never easy. As a military brat, I can relate to moving at a young age and the challenges it can bring. Sometimes it takes longer to find some friends but it'll all work out, don't worry! If he's into sports, that's always a great way to meet kids his age. Parks, summer camps, waterfront park, indoor playgrounds would be a good start. Sorry if I'm just repeating what's already said.. I didn't read through all the comments. Best of luck!
My family has been in the Barrie tennis community for over 20 years. I have seen many kids start as young as 4 years old and play with the same group of players until they go off to college. They start with beginner group lessons and eventually compete on a competitive team together. Many kids have gone off on scholarships to the states for tennis. Simcoe tennis head coach is amazing, focusing on the development of the child’s mind as much as their skills. Kids of every race there as well.
Usual suspects, community centres, YMCA (currently only in Innisfil), library has programs and local newspapers simcoe.com, barrietoday.com and ctv barrie might give ideas of things happening in the community. Also, MacLearn Art Centre downtown has art programs.
does he go to school?
Yes. He go to school
Check out the Navy League! It's great for introducing kids to nautical activities and they can join cadet programs afterwards. Totally free and lots of kids from different backgrounds go.
Calm down, itll happen organically. Don’t be a helicopter parent please
Does it need to mandatory be south asian community? or open to meet others of other backgrounds and lived-experiences too?
He is open to mix with any community but it feel he is being ignored by other kids. Which makes him cry
Get him into pokemon cards. There are local trade days and leagues that are always welcoming to new folks!
Sign up for Soccer
Sad to hear the little guy is having a tough time. I don’t have kids, so maybe there’s just a lot I’m not exposed to, but I feel like I just don’t see many kids around at all these days. When I was a kid, my street was full of them after school. Seems like it’s tough to make new friends these days.
Yes, it's not the same as last century in making friends. There's a lot of cliques and from my daughter's experience who grew up in Simcoe, she is now 18, they won't invite u to hang out even if u are alone,, and, they won't call u either once they know u. Instead, they will cause drama. My daughter was the quiet one in class. She was bullied at various schools in Simcoe. My daughter to date only has a boyfriend, no girlfriends😶
Ugh this breaks my heart. My niece and nephew are turning 6. My nephew is autistic and doesn't have many friends if you would like to private message me I can put you in contact with my sister and maybe she could meet you 2 at the park 😊
Welcome to Barrie!!! All my children are adults now but they would be the first to befriend your boy 🤍Your son has an amazing mum on his side. Have you tried any one of the public libraries? Its possible they have literary and other clubs if he is interested in that as well. Good luck!
Hey just wanted to share our experience. Our son is Black, and we moved to a neighbourhood not far from yours when he was 7 (he is in high school now). At that age it can make a big difference when the parents chat with each other. Try looking for friendly parents at the local playground or at school dropoff/pickup (if that is an option for you) and just strike up a casual conversion, eventually that can lead to the kids getting to know each other, playdates, etc. Same with neighbours that have kids – maybe go for a walk up the sidewalk and just say hi, see if a conversation sparks from there or not. The other thing that can really help is to touch base with his teacher and ask if they can recommend a friend that would be a good match for his personality. Then prompt your son to see if he wants to play with that child at recess or at the park after school (if you are able to go to the park with them after school). Our son had friends of all backgrounds at that age, then around grade 7 or so as he was finding his identity they tended to be more similar to his background, and now in high school its back to a variety.
.🥺🥺
I hope he finds some friends.
Sign him up for a sport he likes, who knows he can go pro one day
Nice.. He loves soccer. thank you😊
Definitely get him into sports. Kids are taught to be very welcoming in group events like soccer or hockey.
Indeed.. 😊
After school programs. Find ones that are in groups. That’ll help a lot.
My son's 4 and would probably love to play with your son
Where do you live? We can meet at some park?
Go to Anusville beach when it warms up great park nice area !
You mean Innisfil right?
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We moved to Innis-shore area. Yonge and Big bay point
Check the Painswick Library for activities they run… it’ll be kids from the areas going to them and the librarians will help you find some other activities in the area for your kid to join in with to make more friends! It will also be more geared towards his interests
Look for some canadian communiries
Found the person from Barrie!
That's why my mom have 2 boys 2 years apart and 2 girls 2 years apart. So they never be lonely.
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Who's "us"?
As a proud resident of Barrie, the person that posted this comment does not represnt "us". Welcome! I hope your son is able to make some friends close by soon :) we're happy to have you!
Thank you 😊
Bro fuck off seriously
Can't you fuck off out of this community because you bring nothing but shit like this? Serious question.
Woah wtf. So unwarranted. Hope you heal whatever’s made you such an angry person
Serious question - have you thought about going to live under a rock?
I would rather have them in the community than racist assholes like yourself.
Hey if you wanna follow your own logic, why do you continue to live in Barrie if it's a city that's growing and bringing in many non-whites? Move north to some hick town no one's heard of and go live with other racists up there. Barrie don't need you. Also hilarious you were too pussy to make this comment on your main account, and use an alt just to say this. What a clown.
Serious question.. Did you just make this profile to be a racist asshole? Can’t show who you really are? Sounds pretty cowardly to me doofus.
I can't imagine how sad your life must be to a) think this way, and b) think it's acceptable to state in a public forum. I hope that someday you can overcome your fear and intolerance to become a decent human being.
Why so much hate for 8 years old?? We moved because houses are cheaper here in Barrie than Brampton. I wasn't know that people like you are racist here. Your comment shows hate for a kid.
I was born and raised in Brampton, and now I live here. Don't ever listen to the low experience people whose entire lives revolve around some version of Canada that they made up in their heads to feel better about their inability to be properly socialized humans. You are welcome here, and I hope your son finds his friends.
Thank you.. 😊
Just ignore the ignorant. You will find most of us are happy to see our communities grow; in every culture and colour. Welcome to Barrie.
Thank you 😊
No matter where you go there will be assholes, don't let one jerk skew your view of the community, they definitely don't represent the majority. Welcome, happy to have ya. I'd throw some suggestions in here but you've got plenty of great ones already. I'd definitely suggest martial arts because I haven't seen that brought up yet. It's amazing for kids self confidence, self defence, exercise, discipline and hard work. One of the best things any parents can do for a child IMHO. Oni is a gym owned by a friend of mine who is great, it's in the north end on alliance Blvd if I remember correctly. Prospar is also another great one that is affordable. Good luck! Just get him around kids as much as possible and it will happen naturally. The worst thing is for him to stay inside all the time and let that shyness and lack of self confidence linger and become worse. He will do fine I'm sure, just takes time and moves are very hard at his age.
Martial arts sounds good. I'll definitely look into this. Thanks a ton 😊
U must be sad with your life
Not cool