Today my daughter told me this, "Aiya,my friends will not come to my birthday party one la, cos I don't have any friends." My heart broke silently. She has always had difficulties making friends in school. She's the one who changes best friends everyday. And hangs out with girls from another class because the other girls in her class doesn't wan to hang out with her during recess time. Every parent teacher meeting, her teachers will bring up the subject of her not being able to socialise well. At the age of 8, all she wants is to have her friends like her and count her in as part of the group. Acceptance. But for the past few years, she has been struggling with that. And I could see that her self esteem is slowly eroding. She has a bossy nature and I know her friends don't like it. But she's only 8. She doesn't have strong self control unlike us adults. As a mum, I want so badly for her to feel accepted. Trust me, I've told her and taught her about controlling her bossy nature. I love her for who she is, her bossy nature cos she's a great leader. And I dont know what else I can do to help her. I'm just sharing this here cos I can't share on Facebook. I hope I have the wisdom to teach her to love herself no matter what.

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I guess socializing is really one thing a parent can't teach. It doesn't sound like she doesn't know how to make friends since she has friends from other classes. When I was younger, my best friends were also from my neighbouring class and every recess time, I will hang out with them and not the others in my class. Speak to her and see if this is bothering her. If it is not an issue to her and she is alright with not have a lot of friends and just a few better ones, then I think you need not be too worried. Just always assure her that she is likable and make her feel confident about herself. Also, keep a lookout during puberty period where one become more concern about one's looks and how others perceive one. Take care mummy. Let your girl blossom on her own.

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