How do you explain to a second grader that true friends don't build you up and then try to tear you down? How do you make a seven year old understand that no matter how many times they tell you how sweet and wonderful you are if they are making fun of you behind your back, then they aren't a friend worth having? I'll be honest, I was surprised to learn that Loretta has a friend who doesn't act very friendly most of the time. There are flowery notes of bff's forever, love and adoration followed by catty hatefulness. How confusing it must be when someone tells you they are your best friend, sings your praises and elevates you to near royalty and then cuts you to the quick publicly. Even enjoys making you cry.
I know girls can be evil, I've known a few in my day, but I don't recall these girls hitting prime evilness until late middle school or junior high, High School created real monsters, but certainly not elementary school. I know kids are doing things much earlier these days, but I would have preferred this particular hard lesson to come a few years down the road. The truth is, I simply wasn't prepared to work through the emotionally abusive relationships of second graders, but there have been many discussions I've had to have lately I wasn't prepared for.
Maybe, this is a good thing after all, If Loretta can learn what true friendship is at this early age, and learn to weed out the toxic relationships now, focusing on genuine true friends, just imagine what amazing life long friendships she could be creating.
No comments:
Post a Comment