My daughter has always preferred one best friend rather than groups of friends, my wife and I have always encouraged her to have back up friends.
Years ago the friend she picked wasnt very nice or popular with other children but my daughter carried on being best friends with her. She was so loyal she didn't pick up when this girl was being mean to her.
At the start of this school year the other friend got a new best friend and dumped my daughter.
She spent a few months reading in the school yard alone. I knew something was up but she wouldn't tell me.
We've had a few months talking to her about how she needs to make new friends rather than pine for the old friend.
She's been doing a good job and tries to play games with other kids. Sometimes she asks if she can play and the kids say no. I don't like it but I tried to encourage her to just play rather that ask if she can (but she is very polite and the other kids aren't always).
Yesterday she came home and said she had a great time playing touch and said she had to agree to be it to be allowed to play.
I asked how come? she said she wouldn't have been allowed to play otherwise so she negotiated.
I think that was a really good idea on her part to become part of the group and learn how to have fun.
My wife thinks this is awful and is going to lead to her being a victim.
I'm not the best at reading people or making friends so I'd like some advise on what should I do.