Hep me help dd1 make friends

[treetrunkthighs]

I feel so sad for dd1, almost 8.

She doesn't seem to have geled (sp?) with any girls in her class and whilst this hasn't bothered her much for the last couple of years it is troubling her now.

All the other girls are paired up. Every now and then a pair 'split up' so for a few days she has a new friend but inevitably the break up is short term so she's dropped again.

She is a lone figure in the line in the morning. Everyone else chatting but her. When I ask who she sat with at lunch it's people from other years who don't talk to her.

What can I do to help her? Does this sound unusual? Exaggerated?

What about having a sleep over/ some parties to help her spend some time with potential friends. Might help develop her confidence.

get her to join the choir or football team? Group activities should help her find friends :)

I feel sorry for you both. It's difficult to offer advice as there could be one or many reasons for this. Have you spoken to her teacher? I think I would start there. I don't think it's "unusual" in that many children have difficulties like this at school. I think it's important to try & find out what the cause may be & try to deal with it. Does dd make friends more easily outside of school?

I think it's odd that it has been happening for a couple of years. Does she have any friends at all? If she has a girl (or boy) that she likes a lot could you invite them home for a play and dinner?
Without being too undelicate, is she physical with others? My DD had a classmate who never made friends. She was much larger than the other children in her class (viking genes) and when she got cross which happened a lot, she would growl at the others then thump them. My DD, who is very sociable gave up trying to play with her when the other girl threw her off the climbing frame.

I am in the same situation with my son who's the same age as your dd. He does seem to have friends (on and off)and will sometimes play with other children but no one that he has really bonded with. I know that he has difficulty socialising and playing with other children during playtime and dinner times. He is a bright boy and his teacher tells me he's fine in class. I don't expect him to be the most popular boy in class but do worry that he feels isolated and alone alot of the time. I have tried to reassure and develop his confidence by joining him in Beavers, Karate clubs etc (this has helped him form some relationship with other boys outside of his class). I want him to be happy and a confident child. Am I worrying for nothing - advice on developing my childs confidence (particulalry in making friends)would be most appreciated.