As Brandi as getting ready for school this morning, she asked me if she had to eat breakfast. I told her she did, and then asked why she didn't want to. The tears started as she told me that she didn't have anyone to sit with, and ends up sitting with 4th graders, who ignore her.
I'm telling you...this kid was breaking my heart. I asked why she didn't sit with kids in her class, and she told me that the only kids who eat breakfast from her class decided they don't want to be her friend. Why, you ask? Because Brandi is friends with one girl the rest of the class doesn't like, so they told Brandi that if she is friends with that girl, then no one else will be her friend.
I am so proud of my daughter for sticking by her one friend, but also heartbroken that these other girls are so mean. They are only 8 years old! Brandi wants to be friends with everyone. She has such a huge heart! I hate to see her so upset about this. I told her this morning that she needs to look at breakfast time as a time to make new friends, even if it is with the older kids. This seemed to be okay with her, and she got on the bus smiling.
When she got home, I asked how breakfast went, and she said that she sat with Lessa (the girl the rest of the class doesn't like) and another girl who was Lessa's friend. She said Lessa isn't at breakfast everyday, but her friend is, so from now on she is going to try and sit with Lessa's friend.
Tonight Brandi had a performance at her school, and as I walked her to her class, a little blond girl ran over and hugged Brandi, lifting her off her feet. It was Lessa. I stood there and watched as the other girls huddled and ignored my baby and her friend, and it took everything I had not to say something. But a few minutes later, they called Brandi over, and Lessa went with her, and they were all laughing and talking together.
I feel so guilty about all of this. If we had just found a place to live where she didn't have to switch schools, none of this would be happening. She would still be with her old friends who love her, and in a school where things are familiar. I know in my heart that things will be okay. I mean, it's only been three weeks. I spoke to her teacher tonight, and she said that Brandi is adjusting well, and is always smiling.
It just kills me to think that she is hurting behind that smile.
3 comments:
There really is no way to know if this kind of thing would be happening at her old school too. It really is the age they are entering. My niece is having almost the exact same situation but she has been with the same group of girls since pre-school. One of best friends has decided to turn the whole class against her and her best friend. It is hard to see her depressed and not be able to do anything about it but they do learn from these social dynamics.
Aw, Jenn.. I am so sorry to hear this..so tough when you baby is hurting, and there is not much you can do.. well, actually you are, by listening and talking with her.. she is so lucky to have you for her Momma...
I started to cry reading this. I think that if you have been significantly picked on, there will always be a scab that can be torn open. Girls can be so mean, and it is worse than ever now. I will pray for her, and you!
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