Is anyone still out there? Sorry, it has been way, way, way too busy. What with eating, and dieting, and being a complete stereotype of an overfed neurotic housewife who can’t find her datebook. But enough! Tomorrow I will write about Wacky Girl’s classroom, and the kid who stabs himself with scissors. Today, it’s time for the Advice Column.

Dear Wacky Mommy:

Where are you? The masses are waiting! ;-) I have a question for you. What to do if your seven-year-old does not seem too interested in making more than one friend? Even if I know other children want to be her friend (I find notes of admiration in her backpack-swear-to-God!). Is this okay? And if not, how to encourage a little branching out? Her “one chosen” is a real sweetie and they do have a great friendship, but I do want her to be able to share her wonderful self with more than one.

Any advice Wacky Mommy? Thanks.

Signed,

Wondering About the Social Life of My Seven-Year-Old

Dear Wondering:

Sorry I’ve been MIA, but I am back! Maybe one is all she can handle? Seven is such a funny age — they’re still such little-littles, but they’re doing all the “big girl” stuff, too. (ie — critiquing each other’s clothes, making little jabs, playing favorites.) Maybe she knows something you don’t. Or maybe she’s just in love with this one little friend and really into her.

Wacky Girl and I have been reading “The Hundred Dresses,” by Eleanor Estes. Hello, Queen Bees and Wannabes! My, my — this book was published in 1944 and it is still timely. I’d suggest reading it with her and seeing if it grabs her attention.

To encourage her to branch out, ask her if she’s interested in having any of the other girls over to play. She can write them notes, inviting them over, if she’d like. I usually scribble a note to the girl’s mom, introducing myself and giving her our number (sometimes kids at this age aren’t the most reliable for relaying phone numbers).

Give it a try. You could even throw a little tea party and invite a few of the girls over. And why limit it to girls? Maybe there’s a boy she’d like to have over.

Love,

WM