Friend or Foe?
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Friend or Foe? |
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| I know sometimes it's hard to tell with your fourth grader, isn't it? One day she probably comes home complaining that "So and so did this!" and "So and so did that!" The next day, she may come home planning a sleepover, and who is at the top of her list? You guessed it--So and so! | |
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| I would try to let your child handle the problems as much as possible. Step in only if absolutely necessary. When sleep, eating habits, school work, etc. are being affected, it's time for some serious talk! | ||
| I'm not a social worker, but it seems that fourth grade is a year of tremendous change within your child. Friendships become very important. What the other children in the class think is at the top of the list of "Things to Worry About!" What advice can I offer? | ||
| I would start of course with my child. Try to get the facts along with the feelings. When did this start? What happened? Don't forget to ask, "What did YOU do?" Try not to accuse, but DO try to understand what happened? You may want to call the other parent involved. It could be that his/her child is just as miserable that this problem has happened. | |
 As I said,
most of these spats blow over within days...sometimes within hours or even
minutes! Share with your child some of the problems you remember
with your childhood friends. Sometimes it's reassuring to know
that this is normal! We've all fought, fussed, and feuded at one
time or another, but we have to know when it's time to forgive or ask for
forgiveness ourselves. Friend or foe? We can never have too
many friends, in my opinion. |
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| More Questions? |