My personal experience. I found that although I socialized with many kids, my closest friends had accelerated. One, a year younger and is seriously PG, so it looks like I felt most comfortable, not with age mates, but peers.
I am firmly in the acceleration camp because I did not have a socialization issue with 2 skips, though in high school I did exposed to things too early. Since the drinking age was 18 then, kids could go to bars very young, and I did. But that was the big downside. I couldn't drive until graduation, bigger issue for a boy.
But the important thing is to find peers. Even at 3, I see DD being able to connect with all age groups, including the teenagers hanging next door dancing to Hannah Montana. She brought them home to show them her room and toys....
They were very sweet and commented on her wardrobe. I think that is the amazing thing about our kids is how they know so early how to adopt behavior to "hang" with younger or older kids.
They learn the rules.
Ren
