My daughter is the ‘weird’ child – I’m worried she’ll never make friends

A mother recently asked for advice on how to help her daughter who was feeling anxious about starting third grade.

The mother said: “My daughter is starting the third grade, and she told me the other day that she was worried about starting school because she is a strange child, she has no friends and she doesn’t know why no one likes her. .â€

She added, “I’ve always told her to be herself and ask other kids to be her friends… but I’m socially awkward and anxious around new people, as is my husband, so we we are not the best”. models to make friends with, lol.

“I don’t know if there is anything I can or should do, but any suggestions or advice would be appreciated!!”

“We can’t control the school, but we can make them feel safe at home”

Other parents related to mom’s concerns and shared their advice.

First, one user recommended exploring hobbies and after-school programs where the girl could meet like-minded friends.

“Hello! Friendless mom with a lonely little boy without friends, here! I just wanted to say that my heart aches for you. Does she have any hobbies that she likes? What about club or after school programs where she could meet others she could click with,” they wrote.

“Also, double up on doing things with it. We can’t control school situations, but we can make them feel safe, wanted, and secure at home. You can be the best friend too :)” she continued.

“I was a strange child”

Others echoed this advice, saying that the more involved your kids are in activities, the more friends they’re likely to make.

“I would recommend finding an extracurricular activity that she is interested in. Bonus points if it’s not school related. I was one of the weird kids at school, but I found similar weird kids in gymnastics, art clubs, camps, etc.,” said one.

A self-confessed “weird kid” at school added: “Find something she likes to do and she’ll find friends. I was the weird kid at school but I was in the band, I played a few card games, I did football for several years and read thousands of books, through these activities I met many friends.At some point she will also understand that everyone is weird, even the “cool” kids.

Then a mother told the OP that this age can be a particularly difficult time for children socially, so she shouldn’t worry too much that this is a reflection of her child – or her – specifically.

“I think around the second and third year they kind of go from being a little kid where they just play with peers who are physically present and don’t think about it, to being aware that they need to connect on a deeper level. .

“Suddenly, you are aware that you are being watched and judged by the people around you. And things become more clicked, especially with girls. So some of this is just that transition and it’s quite common. There are many social changes that continue from the first to the sixth year.â€

Finally, a group member told the mom to embrace her “weird” child, as that’s what makes them unique.

“I LOVE weird kids,” they wrote. “They’re the kids who stand out because they don’t just go with the flow. They’re generally not the followers. She may not be a leader today, but later in life, she’ll stand out too, and with your guidance over the next five years next time, she can get there with confidence, embracing the strange.