Concerned Mother: Daughter’s Best Friend Keeps Taking Her Stationaries

Dear Agony Aunt,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to seek your advice regarding my daughter, who is in primary school. Recently, I have noticed that she has been losing her stationery items frequently. At first, I thought it might just be a case of forgetfulness, but it has become a persistent issue, and I find myself constantly replacing her pens, pencils, and other supplies.

After a bit of probing, my daughter finally opened up to me about a situation at school. She told me that her best friend has been taking her stationery, claiming that she will return it but never does. I can see how this is affecting my daughter emotionally; she feels upset and frustrated, and it’s causing her to lose confidence.

I’m torn between wanting to teach my daughter to stand up for herself and not wanting to escalate the situation with her friend. I’m also worried about how this might affect their friendship in the long run. What should I do? How can I help my daughter navigate this tricky situation?

Thank you for your guidance.

Warm regards,

A Concerned Mother

Dear Concerned Mother,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns about your daughter. It’s clear that you care deeply about her well-being, and it’s commendable that you want to help her navigate this difficult situation.

First, it’s important to acknowledge your daughter’s feelings. Losing her stationery and feeling taken advantage of can be very upsetting for a child. Start by having an open conversation with her about how she feels. Encourage her to express her emotions and reassure her that it’s okay to be upset about what’s happening.

Next, help her develop strategies to address the issue. Role-playing can be an effective way to give her the confidence to speak up. You could practice how to assertively ask her friend for the return of her items, emphasizing the importance of honesty and respect in friendships. This will not only empower her but also teach her valuable social skills.

Additionally, consider discussing the matter with her teacher. They may be able to monitor the situation more closely and provide support in a way that maintains the friendship while also ensuring your daughter feels safe and respected.

Lastly, it might be helpful to have a conversation with your daughter about the value of her belongings. Perhaps you can encourage her to keep her stationery in a designated spot or use a special backpack to help her keep track of her items. This way, she’ll feel more responsible for her belongings while also learning about boundaries in friendships.

Remember, it’s normal for children to encounter challenges in their relationships, and this can be a valuable learning experience for your daughter. With your support, she can emerge from this situation stronger and more self-assured.

Wishing you and your daughter all the best.

Warm regards,

Agony Aunt