Do you think it's strange?

Question

That the ten y/o girl next door, wants to hang out with my almost six y/o daughter? Also, I think she trys to talk my daughter out of going to her after school activities, like dance. Have you had this experience and if so how did you handle it?

She is an only child.

Answer 1

It's kind of strange. My bet is that the older girl is lonely and seeks out a friendship with your daughter because your daughter is available, ie because you live close by. And if she's trying to talk her out of going to activities, it's because she knows she won't have her friend there so she's hoping your daughter won't go. She's also probably jealous, maybe she isn't in dance or other activities. Don't make your daugther stay away from her (unless you feel really uncomfortable with them being friends, or if your daughter doesn't even want to be her friend), but don't let them play without you in earshot. That way you can hear anything that girl says to your daughter, and if it's something negative you can step-in right away and put a stop to it. If the girl does something, like try to talk your daughter out of going to dance class, simply tell her that your daughter enjoys dance, you've paid for the classes, and she's going to them. Also tell her that your daughter will not be allowed to be around her if she is putting ideas in your duaghter's head about skipping her activities, or anything else which may be negative. I'm not sure if you know her parents, are they around when the girl is not at school, or is she just sent out to play alone? Maybe you could talk to them. It could also be that this girl likes to be in control and since your daughter is younger, she sees her as someone who is easy to influence. Maybe she has difficulty making friends her own age. There could be a lot of different reasons she is wanting to hang out with your daughter, but in the end, if you are uncomfortable with it then put a stop to it.

Answer 2

Is the girl next door the only child? My daughter is an only child and she doesn't mind playing with younger kids. She likes to "boss" them around. Not in a bad way though, just telling them don't do that, sorta like looking out for them.

Answer 3

It sounds like the 10 year old has some problems making friends her own age and is clinging to the one friend she has. Because the ten year old is trying to talk your daughter out of other activities, I'd start severely curtailing the time they can spend together, because that sounds like the beginning of an unhealthy relationship.

Answer 4

It could be that your daughter thinks this girl is "cool" and looks up to her. Maybe the girl next door realizes your daughter idolizes her and likes the attention. (idolize may not be the right word for it, but you get my drift)

My daughter used to play with younger kids it was like watching a little "mom" in action. At first I was uncomfortable with it thinking that she had social problems, but she grew out of it.

Answer 5

maybe a bit strange. I have a son who is 6 and the next door girl is about 11-12 years old when my son goes outside she's always calling him or comes in front of my house and slowly takes him away further by her house and this little girl is dirty minded always talking about kissing and boyfriends. So i told my son i don't ever want to c u playing with her! if u do you're going inside, i said she is to old for u to be playing with her. so she doesn't come over in front and my son doesn't go over there. he plays with the other kids on the side. good luck and take care of your girl. =)