[tarsh05]

Our DD5 started school this year. Her older brothers are there also. Her prep class is very small (12 children and only 2 are girls). She is enjoying her time in the classroom but when it comes time with recess and lunch outside she is struggling to make friends (the whole school is very small). She wanders around by herself and especially at lunch time she starts to cry and say she misses mum (but once she is back in class she is okay).

Usually when she starts crying the older grade 5/6 girls look after her, but now she is hanging around them and not playing with the children her own age. Or she plays with her eldest brother.

I want her to make friends and enjoy her time at school, but she seems a little lost. We're not sure what to do.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Delillah1]

I saw my daughter's prep teacher today and spoke about a similar thing. My DD prefers to play with her older sister or her buddy instead of children in her own class or age group. She said not to worry because it is very common in the first term and they usually start playing with their peers later on.

[baddmammajamma]

I'd ask the teacher if there are any kids who seem particularly mature/thoughtful and/or if there are any kids who might click well with your daughter -- and then invite them (and their mum or dad) over for a playdate.

You could also try reaching out to the parents of the other little girl in prep.

We were new to our school when my (not socially adept) daughter started prep/kindergarten. Playdates were such a fabulous way for her to cement some of the associations in class -- turned classmates into FRIENDS -- and for me to get to know the parents.

Good luck!

[tarsh05]

Thank you both for your suggestions...I will look into the playdate side and, yes, a few other people said it can take a term to settle into new routines, etc. It's just hard watching her wandering by herself. It was a lot easier for the boys as they are both quiet too but they had a few kids from their kinder go into prep with them.

Thanks again