6yo DD has no friends due to moods/sulking - Pls help

[SusieHughsie]

I have just returned from a playdate with some of DD's classmates and parents. She basically spent most of the two hours walking off in a diffent direction from the others, arms folded with a sad sulky face.

She is extremely sensitive and gets upset at everything. This is really affecting her socially as she spends most of her playtime alone. In the last few months, she seemed to be happier as she had made a new friend, unfortunately this little girl isnt as keen on the friendship due to DD getting upset so easily.

It breaks my heart seeing her on her own so much and have tried talking to her about how her moods affect others but to no avail.

Does anyone have any suggestions, please I'm desperate?

Oh dear, Susie, you have my sympathies - dd can sometimes be like this and am afraid have nothing constructive to offer, just wanted to say I know how you feel and your dd is not the only one!

my dd is much better in v small groups though, she finds anything more than 2 or 3 hard work, I think - and often shuts off. she's done this since very young - I remember leaving a nursery party when she was only about 2.5 in tears as she seemed so separate from the others, she has always held herself apart.

I bought this book. It has been invaluable in helping one of my more quarrelsome children. It has lots of practical activities designed to help you help your child. It is divided into sections that deal with different behaviour patterns/types of children.

This book stopped me feeling frustrated and helpless and has helped all of my children

Do give it a go, you've got the hols to work on stuff

A story? I always think small children respond very well to simple stories - especially ones they have 'written' themselves (because they've had to think it through to do it.)
Write a simple one, with whatever message you are trying to pass - or better yet, ask her to help you write a story (with pictures) - about a little girl who was not friendly but who learned to be and how great it was.

Some kids are like this. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with her and she'll learn as she gets older - she's only 6, she's still a baby yet, it can be hard for some of them to learn the social rules.

Maybe short interactions would be better than long ones?

OTT praise for being kind or thoughtful or playing nicely?

And - maybe sometimes she likes to be alone? Is she really upset about being on her own? Don't think that unless she is stapled to another child she is missing out. She may need 'alone time' as well.

And finally. Maybe a bit of tough love. Let her be upset. It's really not the end of the world. "I can see you are upset because of however.......

Will definitely try the story idea, as she loves writing and have ordered the book.

Thinking about it, I am not sure whether she is really that upset about being on her own, she certainly looks it but she never mentions that she feels lonely can tell building friendships is a real struggle for her.

She is definitely better with other children on a one to one basis but then cannot cope when this changes.

Thank you for all your advice, really appreciated x

Good luck susie!