What is wrong with some kids?!

[NorthernGobshite]

My dd (7) has just told me that a group of girls at school are being mean to her, taunting her and excluding her from their games. Some of these girls used to be good friends, but have also been mean little madams in past too.

She says she's left sat alone at break time as a result. I have told her that she should find others to play with - she has lots of friends in class - and leave them to it, but obviously at 7, she wants to fit in.

I have emailed her teacher this morning as I am angry and sad. If it was one girl I would be less inclined to intervene but a group of girls can quickly make her life a misery.

Any advice?

[NorthernGobshite]

Anyone?

[JuliaScurr]

Horrible situation. You're doing the right thing by contacting the teacher; hopefully they'll take action. Keep your eye on things and don't let theschool brush it off

[Snowbeetle]

Sorry no clue - my life was blighted like this and I got rubbish advice/help at the time so don't know what would have worked. I could handle it now as an adult but as a 7yo. Sorry just didn't want to read and run. Think it sounds liek your on right track though. Any contact with their parents - could they help intervene for you?

[CupOfBrownJoy]

Speak to the teacher if it continues.

I had this problem in my class - only 5 girls and a new girl arrived who was constantly orchestrating that one or the other be left out.

I did lots of PSHE stuff, we talked a lot about friendship, what to do if someone wants to play (always say yes), we had a "worry box" (it wasn't called that) that the children could write a note and post in any time they wanted to - that was a good way for me to see exactly what was going on with some of them without them having to come directly to me.

We also have a kind friends list thingy where a child can post acts they have seen or experienced that day of someone being a kind friend.

Every little helps, as they say....

[NorthernGobshite]

Thank you all.
I emailed her teacher expecting her to reply tomorrow and she has already replied! She is going to get them all together and talk to them. She is a good teacher and I trust her to manage it.
My dd is happier now; we have talked about what a real friend is and she has been able to identify who she trusts to be a real friend, and even talked about some who have been supportive of her during this. She's a confident girl, which helps, and so with love and support she'll get through it.
I still want to slap the little madams but that will pass. I only have contact with one parent - the rest are likely to be defensive at best. I have sent the one Mum a polite message and I know she will talk to her daughter
It's one of lifes lessons, and a horrid one at that, learning that some people are just mean. It's hard to go through, and even harder to watch your baby go through it!