Parenting Rewards & Responsibilities © 2007

You realize that teenagers who do not feel that they “fit in” with their peer group may be at risk for low self-esteem and possible depression. Your daughter seems vulnerable to emotional isolation from her peers, especially since you recently moved to a new state.

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1			Your daughter is 12 years old. The girls at her school are cruel to her. They don’t invite her to eat lunch with them, they don’t say hello in the halls, and they whisper to one another while looking at her when she walks by. You have just moved into the area and you’re worried because your daughter is so unhappy. In the spaces below, answer these questions: How would you begin talking to your daughter about this situation? What possible strategies could you offer her if she is interested in making new friends? Is there someone at school who might help you and your daughter handle this situation? How do you approach this idea with your daughter? What signs would you look for that might indicate that this situation is seriously affecting your daughter’s well-being?