JoyAvenueMom
Proud Parent
I looked through some older posts and can tell this has been an issue for many others. DD is new to her group of 6 girls. The ages are 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 15. DD is 8, and emotionally mature for her age. The group spends 12 hours per week training together. Since joining the group, DD no longer leaves gym talking about how much fun she had doing x. She now wants to talk about the conversations she is having and overhearing between the other girls. I won't describe this as crazy girl drama, just snippy, "I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but..." or "so and so sometimes pretends to be hurt when we work on things she doesn't like". If DD was with a similar -age group, I think she could handle herself fine. However, she really looks up to these older girls, and it surprised her they could be anything less than nice to each other. I think she is mature enough to realize that if they talk about each other in secret, they are probably saying things about her, too. Overall, the older girls are supportive of DD and don't exclude her. I just can't think of another environment where she would spend so much time with pre-teen or teen girls and the "stuff" that comes with it. So far, I have simply told her not to take sides, don't gossip, and focus on what the coach expects you to be doing. I try to redirect our conversations, asking about her day at school, or her favorite activity during gym. I just wonder if I could do more to help her fit in without "joining in" the gossip and negative comments. Suggestions or empathy appreciated!