Our 6-year old has been having problems, socially, or so she says. I’m not sure whether to believe it’s as severe as she says, because we just threw a birthday party and she was very much the center of attention for the kids that were able to make it, and well, the limitations of her age.
But when she has mentioned it, she gets very emotional and says something to the effect that her friends don’t want to play with her; she’s made mention of it a few times.
The problem is, as her father, I’ve been antisocial my entire life, and her mom’s not much of a social butterfly, either. And I feel unequipped and powerless in how to guide her.
Any advice for a way forward would be appreciated more than I could ever convey.
Sometimes its just learning to negotiate. My son is slightly older. When he wasnyoinger he’d conplainnthat his friends didn’t want to play. On further questioning, it was that they wanted to play their game and he wanted to play his. He didn’t see a need to compromise or take turns or try other peoples games. He’s still a bit stubborn but now gets that other kids have different likes and desires to him.
Often learning some social skills in playgrounds without usual friends is good. Its low stakes and good practice ground for trying to make friends and try new things. If it doesn’t go well, they never see them again. If it does, they can use the skills with their existing friends.