Hoping this is an ok place to post a random “problem” I’ve got at the moment as I can’t create a new thread!
My daughter whos 7 is having trouble with a “friend” at school at the moment. My daughter is quite quiet, shy and polite little girl who gets along with most of the children in her class. One of the girls in her class has always been quite possessive of my daughter for the past couple of years and only liked them two being best friends, I think my daughter was too young and naive realise this though until now.. she came home upset today and said she didn’t know what to do at playtime as she wasn’t sure who to play with. I asked her why she couldn’t play with everyone and she answered that her “friend” lets call her ‘Lucy’ tells her she hates her if she doesn’t play with her, she doesn’t want to upset her but then she doesn’t want to upset her other friends by not playing with them either. Her poor little mind must have been confused as to what to do for the best. She said this Lucy also gets upset and angry if she draws pictures of anyone else.
I have mentioned this to the school in the past when I felt little ‘Lucy’ was getting a bit controlling of my daughter, and they separated them in class time but then I was told at playtimes when they weren’t supervised as much they were always back playing together so they’re wasn’t much the school could do if she willingly playing with Lucy.. I have told my daughter to keep her distance from Lucy but she doesn’t want to do this. She wants to be friends with Lucy but also have other friends to play with as well.
So I’ve told my daughter tonight that SHE is in control of who she plays with and she mustn’t let Lucy boss her around, and that she can tell Lucy you don’t need to hate me just because I don’t want to play with you.
Does anyone have any other helpful advice on this situation? I’m a first time mum and only have the one daughter. As I mentioned she’s only 7 and quite shy and timid and I also think she worries she may get told off by a teacher if she doesn’t do as Lucy says.
Thanks