Navigating friendships

[Lemontreeinthecity]

My DD is 5, 6 in August. She is happy at school and seems to enjoy everything.
She is sociable- and likes to have fun. She had made a few friends and recently was close to one girl…we had a couple of play dates outside school..
however she has said recently that this other girl has said she doesn’t want to hold hands at line up in the morning , and also wants to play with other girls…
my DD has made an effort with her and is a bit confused why she’s now moving away from her.
how should I navigate this?
I thought just say - give her space, if she’s not among you happy - you have other friends etc…

Anyone?

I think you’re exactly right to tell her to give the friend space and play with her other friends. Friendships do ebb and flow so just gently encouraging your daughter to nurture her other friends is a good idea.

Honestly I'm not sure if there is anything you can do other than reassure your DD. Maybe invite another girl she likes or a small group for a play date to encourage new friends. This is likely to happen to her a few times over the next few years and possibly she will move herself away from a friend too at some point.

Explain to her why she shouldn't take it personally but other than that I'd just listen and empathize. The fact that she's telling you all about it is lovely she clearly feels supported by you.

Thank you all for your messages.
I will keep encouraging her to play with other girls.
She also has a few friends who are boys - and says she likes to play with them too...
So she has a mix of friends.