Definitely helps! Though I do know a fair number of people who do this WITH kids which blows my mind. Glad the Karma tip was useful!
Socialization of kids is a uniquely Western obsession, I think— not an issue here because it's a child-friendly culture with lots of social interaction. The average age in the Philippines is 22, much lower than in the US, UK, or Canada. That means there are children everywhere here my son makes friends easily.
As far as our friends go, we meet up with people wherever we happen to be. Sometimes we're in a place where we don't know anybody, but then we just beach bum around when not working.