I can say right now I'd rather my daughter get her ass kicked than have to deal with social exclusion and popularity and all the crappy power games that start, I kid you not, in KINDERGARTEN. My confident, outgoing, little one has been in a triangle relationship with two other girls, and so far it's been the most heartbreaking thing we've dealt with. Of course, it doesn't help that I had plenty of my own experiences in this arena: being excluded and ostracized, or sometimes even worse, being included at the expense of another and yet being too cowardly to speak up for fear I'd be next. So you'd better believe I was all over
these tips for dealing with the popularity game and all that it entails.
Sadly, "go down to the school and threaten imminent harm to the child who is being mean to your sweet angel" is not on the list. However, listening non-judgmentally and helping your kid get involved in activities to expand her (because, let's face it: this is mostly about girls) social circle is on there. The author also cautions against telling your kid she is prettier/smarter/more interesting than the offending popular girls, which makes sense to me, because no kid really gives a shit if their mom thinks they are smart or pretty. Oh wait, here's one more tip: "Share examples with them about you and overcoming those painful social school experiences." Sigh. I guess I'm all over that one.
