Let’s do this together

The Dark Lord was rather gloomy at breakfast yesterday. “I always seem to end up on my own at school,” she muttered when I asked what was up.

It doesn’t matter how big your baby gets, it’s always heartbreaking when they’re having trouble making friends. With all the ups and downs at her new school, The Dark Lord is fast becoming The Sad Lord. After quickly searching my parenting files for suitable advice, I suggested brightly, “How about you find a totally new friend at lunchtime. Just go and sit with someone in your year and start a conversation?”

“That’s lame.” Jesse forgot her woes for a moment and rolled her eyes at me. “No, Mum, you don’t understand. I’ve made loads of friends but suddenly they all dislike me,” she sniffed, halfheartedly chewing on her on toast.

“OK, so why do you think people dislike you?” I tried again.

“I dunno. Maybe I’m too loud? Maybe they think I’m annoying? So many people have told that ‘so and so hates you’ and it’s just getting me down,” she shrugged.

“Ignore the haters and stop being a drama llama. If you’re on your own, read a book, and if you’ve upset someone, apologise and move on,” I told her.

“I try and apologise all the time. I’m constantly saying sorry,” she admitted, and I was beginning to see things more clearly.

“OK, well then you’re clearly upsetting other girls,” I said honestly. “Everyone likes people who listen, and let’s face it, it’s not exactly one of your major strengths.”

“You’re supposed to be on my side!” she looked outraged. But it’s true, at some point we all have to just learn the hard way, it just happens to be my daughter’s turn right now.

Email me at siobhan.mcnally@mirror.co.uk or write to Community Corner, PO Box 791, Winchester SO23 3RP.