It’s heartbreaking to watch our daughters be kind to others, only to be treated poorly or rejected in return. Making new friends doesn’t come easily to every child. I thanked her for being honest with me and sharing what was going on; we’ve talked quite a bit. I explained to her that a true friend would never suggest that she harm herself. I don’t want to be too pushy by forbidding the friendship or coming across as overly negative; instead, I need to gradually distance them—in a way that my daughter won’t notice. If I were to say what I’m really thinking, I’d likely destroy the trust she has in me; she might even think I’m being cruel or something similar—especially since this is the first friend she’s made since we returned to Venezuela 18 months ago.
It’s heartbreaking to watch our daughters be kind to others, only to be treated poorly or rejected in return. Making new friends doesn’t come easily to every child. I thanked her for being honest with me and sharing what was going on; we’ve talked quite a bit. I explained to her that a true friend would never suggest that she harm herself. I don’t want to be too pushy by forbidding the friendship or coming across as overly negative; instead, I need to gradually distance them—in a way that my daughter won’t notice. If I were to say what I’m really thinking, I’d likely destroy the trust she has in me; she might even think I’m being cruel or something similar—especially since this is the first friend she’s made since we returned to Venezuela 18 months ago.