Dealing with Miss Bossy

Got a problem? Let that’s life! readers help! Here’s what they had to say about this week’s dilemma

She may resent you

Listen to your daughter – she is your priority. If she is forced to be friends with this bossy boots, she may resent you for forcing her.

Candice-Anne Jones

Try again

I was being bullied in primary school. The girl didn’t have many friends (surprise!) but after I got to know her, she became one of my best friends. Maybe try again, but if she truly doesn’t want to, you can’t make her.

Helene Wilson

Invite her over

Maybe invite the girl over for a play and lunch and get to know her outside of school.

Elaine Grogan

Talk to the mum

I’d tell the mother it’s her responsibility to teach the daughter that her behaviour is unacceptable and will lead to the loss of friends if she doesn’t treat them kindly.

Jamie Lee

Go with your gut

Your daughter’s feelings are the only ones that you need to worry about. Go with your gut instinct.

Dannielle Sebire

Revolving doors

Kids’ friendships are like revolving doors; friends today, enemies tomorrow and friends again next week. If your daughter doesn’t want to play with this girl, don’t force her to.

Narelle Dunn

Always two sides

There are two sides to every story. There are lessons here that can be taught by both parents. Some gentle probing about what is going on would be a start. Is the other girl really an issue or has your child simply grown a little? Or are there new friends influencing the situation? It is always difficult on a child left behind. Teach your daughter kind ways to handle this.

Julianna Adcock

Problem solve

It’s a good idea for you to sit down and problem solve with her, but I think kids need to work on their own problems with one another or they will never learn to do so.

Rosina Mary

Okay to say no

Learning it’s okay to say no in a respectful manner is really important. What your daughter learns now will be a blueprint for later in life. It’s wonderful your daughter spoke to you about this, as she trusts you. Now it’s your turn to show her she can continue to come to you and she will be supported.

Sandi Michelle

They’ll work it out

There’s nothing wrong with her wanting a good influence for her daughter. Take that as a compliment to your child and leave them to work it out.

Jessica Reid

Trust her instincts

Teach your daughter it‘s okay to walk away from abusive relationships. Being forced to be friends even though she isn’t happy about it could lead her to ignore her instincts in future. It’s important we teach children to not stay in a toxic situation just because its what others want.

Aj Mathews