DD and Making Friends

My DD keeps telling me she's having a hard time making friends. This is her first year in this school (1st grade). She went to a private school for kindergarten. The classes were much smaller and she knew everyone.

This year, there's 6-7 first grade classes and she's sort of out of her element as she doens't really know anyone.

she's told me she's tried to make friends but the girls aren't playing with her.

I know she's my daughter, but she really is the sweetest kid. She's beautiful, smart, compassionate, funny. I don't know what's going on.

My heart is breaking for her because she's like mom I wish you were there with me. I wanted to cry (actually I did).

I keep telling her to give it some time but I wish I knew what was going on. I'm only hearing what she's telling me.

She's used to having a "posse" around her so I'm wondering if she's equating the amount of friends to not having friends...kwim?

I almost want to stalk the playground at lunch so I can see how she's interacting with the kids.

Any advice?

Re: DD and Making Friends

Noah went through the same thing in 1st grade.. and it was the same kids he'd been with in Kindergarten. My best idea is to have play dates. The one on one connection in a smaller scale setting helps to create a bond that carries into the daily routine in school.

I'm sure she'll have tons of friends very soon!!

Re: DD and Making Friends

Between Kindergarten and 7th Grade, I went to four schools. It's hard starting over when kids have established relationships.

The thing that worked for me (and it was hard to come by with 5 other siblings) was playdates. Having a one on one connection helps a lot.

I worry about Bella all the time, it kills me that I cannot be there every minute to help her.

Re: DD and Making Friends

Do they have a "friendship phone list"?? or a class/school directory? I would look through it with DD and see who she likes and invite them over. Once they start having playdates, they build bonds. I bet lots of these kids had playdates in Kindergarten already. I found that you really have to put yourself out there sometimes. You can invite the mom too!