Wits end

[SunnyDisposition23]

My 12 year old is constantly angry, upset and crying. She's always had trouble making friends and since starting high school she has become very aware of it. She says she hates school and has no friends. She loses her temper with teachers and shouts and cries at them. The littlest thing sets her off. She is in full blown puberty at the moment. But could it be more than that? I'm at a loss. I dread home time and wondering what mood she will be in. I don't know how I can help her make friends and I don't know how to make her feel better. It's very upsetting. Anyone been through similar or have any advice?

[HennyPennyHorror]

What are her interests OP? What sort of thing does she enjoy? I teach children drama and over the years I've noticed that girls who have trouble making friends often have narrow interests or interests which are unusual for their age.

[Mediumred]

Poor her and poor you, that sounds very hard. I could be way off here but have you thought about autism, it can present very differently in girls, they can find picking up the social cues that generally oil the wheels of friendship more difficult.

Is there anyone that she is a bit friendly with? Obviously she’s a bit old for play dates as such but could you encourage her to invite someone over?

Also I would be looking to the school to help her but she also has to understand that shouting at teachers is completely unacceptable, they are just doing their job, these displays of anger arent going to endear her to the teachers or other kids. She needs to find some ways of managing that. Really hope you can get some good ideas here. Good luck.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

I teach children drama and over the years I've noticed that girls who have trouble making friends often have narrow interests or interests which are unusual for their age. That's a good point. Does she do any school clubs or out of school activities?