Anyone who has ever had a kid that's the "new" kid...

[Brier Rose]

how long did it take before they made friends? I am so frustrated right now! My dd just started Social (dance and etiquette classes), a couple of weeks ago, (so 3 lessons so far) and just hasn't had any luck getting to know anyone.

ALL of these kids know each other from school and such...she is homeschooled, AND we just moved here, so she is the ONLY one who doesn't know anyone.

This doesn't seem to bother her AT ALL, but it just makes my heart hurt everytime I drop her off, and see her just standing there all alone.

She is the type to be the first one to speak..that has always impressed me about her, as I was very shy growing up. She'll just walk right up, and say "Hi, my name's Heather", and if conversation continues great...if not she moves on, no big deal. (well, at least to her)

Why does this bother me so much? I mean if it doesn't bother her it shouldn't bother me right?

If the situation was reversed , and it was her in a group, she would be the first one to "make the new girl welcome", so WHY can't they do the same?

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Good for her that she can enjoy herself and is outgoing. I too was (still am) shy and can't imagine going to a class without knowing anyone. Does her instructor know that she is new and doesn't know anyone? She might be able to help your DD find another girl who would like a partner. It can be so hard to be the Mom, but if she is happy then try to sit back and not worry. I hope she finds a friend soon.

 

[Brier Rose]

Thanks

I don't think the instructors really know that she's new, because to them everyone is new. (they're all first years)

She has a boy that's her dance partner, but he ....we'll lets just say he's more into rough housing/playing around with his buddies. Just not really into girls yet, and not very gentlemenly in making his partner feel welcome and confortable..but he's just turned 12, so.

Luckily they're so busy dancing they don't have any time to just sit around and talk anyway.

 

[Nite0wl71]

We moved when my DD was starting 5th grade. It took her about 3 weeks to make friends and she was shy. She became such good friends with one girl that we all became friends and I let them take her to Disney twice.

Now my DD is 21 and her and her friend are not as close, but her mother and I are.

 

[lulugirl]

Wow, she sounds very self assured, that's wonderful! If she seems okay w/ it, be patient (easier said than done, I know.) I'm sure she'll connect w/ the other girls, it will just take time.

 

[TLHB70]

We are in that same situation right now. My oldest DD just turned 10 and started 5th grade. I homeschool, too. We started a new church in March. We visited around Sunday school classes until we finally found the right one. Now that we have, DD is the new kid in her Sunday school class. She is the shy type so her connecting with the others is harder than it is for my younger DD, Mrs. Social Butterfly . It hurts my heart, too. I totally understand how you feel.