Friendships

[Therapeutic70]

Any wise words on friendships? My youngest 7 is beginning to struggle. She can be very domineering and will never admit if she has done something wrong which is understandable but difficult for her friends to deal with and I’m worried she will become isolated. School are supportive but I know you lot might have some great ideas! Thank you!

I bought some really good books from amazon on how to be a friend that kind of thing, and just left them around for my DS to read, he wouldnt like to be pushed, but ive seen him reading them to himself sometimes and socially he has improved alot recently.
For example: How to Make & Keep Friends: Tips for Kids to Overcome 50 Common Social Challenges: Volume 1
May not help atall or be any good for your situation but i think has helped us!

This is a great book for reading with her, read aloud here so you can try before you buy!

For in depth help for you to help her now and in coming years, "The Unwritten Rules of Friendship Simple Strategies to Help Your Child Make Friends" by Natalie Madorsky Elman and Eileen Kennedy Moore is absolute genius, listing out different types of child with lists of the "unwritten rules" and case studies and activities.

I'd try talking in age appropriate language about any incidents and offering her routes through it. Like when I fell out with Auntie Alice, I had to be the first one to say sorry, and I felt really good. It felt a bit powerful to know I could mend the friendship with some kind words. But also, sometimes ask your child what they want to do and try and get them to suggest some good things then agree to it, etc.

Obviously, if they say something really unhelpful you will need to explain what might happen if they push Molly over in the mud or whatever! But if you can get anything from them it is so helpful.