To ask you to make me STOP worrying about reception age DD

[Hell0G00dbye]

I have NC but am a regular poster.

I don't suffer with anxiety or over think things but recently I have been worrying so much about my DD (age 4). She has come home from school upset again as she isn't invited to another friends birthday party. There have been 3 recently in a short space of time that her best friend has been invited to and she hasn't. I have reassured her, told her they are still friends, tried to be bright and breezy but I feel so sad for her.

Her teacher says she is chatty and has lots of friends. I make a real effort with the parents and have children over for play dates, which are reciprocated. I don't know why I am overthinking and worrying- normally i wouldn't bother me at all and my rational self knows that parties have limits, kids friends change day to day etc. I will be doing a party for her but she is born in June so it will be late on in the year (I know a friends child got invited to loads of parties after they had one!)

How do I be a normal rational person again. I couldn't sleep last night for worrying DD was going to be some kind of social outcast for her whole school life. She then skipped happily into school with her friends. I think I am channelling my repressed anxieties about the war/cost of living etc etc into this which is silly!

If you think it’s a bit to do with her not having had a party yet perhaps next year have a halloween party so you can get to meet some parents etc , that’s what I did in reception year with my June born child .

OP - there is no such thing as "that mum".

It should not be frowned upon to care for your child's emotional well-being. If people truly don't care about these types of things, I think they're either a bit cold or maybe have older kids and used to it.

How you feel is probably how most of the other parents feel. I know my biggest fear is that my young kids won't have close friends. I guess it's a bit of projecting alongside knowing how harsh kids can be and how difficult friendships are for children (especially girls I think).

Anyway - whilst how you feel is natural, be assured that parties don't always reflect friendships. Like others have said, kids are fickle. Also, it's quality not quantity. The fact your daughter already has some close friends is great! Better that than no friends, right? :)