Even though the girls are attending the same school they always have, there are some big adjustments for both of them this year. Both girls have been separated from their best friends this year. While Rachel isn’t saying much, Sarah has been cut to the core. She’s been with A & A since Kindergarten; she doesn’t understand how they could be separated.
Sarah’s very cranky, and picking on Rachel even more than usual. Rachel is dishing it right back. I’m glad Rachel is sticking up for herself, but I’m a little worried about her silence re: being separated from her friends.
I’ve told both girls this is a good opportunity to make new friends. No comment from Rachel, but Sarah is dismayed that I would suggest she make new friends. So, I’ve challenged Sarah to either make new friends, or learn how to happily be on your own.
In a way, I hope she works on both, because there will be times where she will be alone, and there will be times when she needs to make new friends. I’ve never been good about making new friends, because I’m such an introvert. But Sarah is not me. I think if she learns to drop her blinders and really look around, her natural extroversion will allow her to easily make new friends.
As the girls go through this adjustment, I know that they feel comfortable coming to me with their problems. I’ve had many one-on-one heart-to-heart conversations with each girl. Occasionally, it’s turned into a trio — usually when I ask Rachel if Sarah can join us to brainstorm a problem. In that situation, I value Sarah’s kid-level input. And I want Rachel to see that Sarah can be an ally, not just a natural enemy.
This is just the start of tough times and adjustments.