Bully

I learned a couple of weeks ago about some "girl drama" in Taylor's preschool class. At first, my heart sank because I thought Taylor's teachers were going to tell me that Taylor was being a bully. But then, my heart sank instead when I learned that Taylor has been on the receiving end of some mean girl behavior.

Taylor's closest friend at school is named Eden. A few weeks ago, a new student, Juliette, joined the class. Apparently, Juliette is trying really hard to become friends with Eden, often to the extent that she excludes Taylor and hurts her feelings. Thankfully, Taylor's teachers are on top of the situation and are dealing with it to the best of their ability (i.e. I watched one teacher escort Juliette to the office one morning).

Taylor was off school last week for mid-winter break. Since tomorrow is her first day back, I tried to talk with her at bedtime tonight about her interactions with Juliette. I realize this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to girls and drama and cattiness, but poor T! She told me that Juliette often talks very loudly and openly about having Eden over for a playdate - and she does it intentionally to hurt Taylor's feelings. She will also come over to Eden while she is playing with Taylor and pull her away. Taylor said it breaks her heart in half... and of course hearing this breaks my heart in half.

We talked at length about how this hurts Taylor's feelings and how she can handle the situation. We rehearsed what she should say to Juliette the next time she tries to exclude Taylor. And finally, we prayed that God would give her the courage to talk to Juliette and that Juliette's heart would soften toward Taylor.

Taylor said some amazing things to me during our conversation. I wish I'd had a recorder so that I could remember things verbatim. She said that she tries to be nice and friendly to everyone, even to children that "aren't so nice looking on the outside because they may be beautiful on the inside." She also said that "while she can't change anyone else's heart, she can change her own."

Tonight is a night that I am glad I am a stay-at-home mom. I am glad that I'll be with Taylor tomorrow morning when I drop her off at school, and I am glad I'll be there to pick her up and hear about her day. Let's hope my five-year old has a mature conversation with Miss Juliette.