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My 12-year-old’s become a mean girl and I’m scared of her friends


An illustrated image of a mum looking concerned standing in front of teenage girls using a mobile phone, putting on makeup, and drinking a beverage

She’s fallen in with some of the more ‘popular’ girls (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

Metro’s agony aunt Em Clarkson is here to solve all your problems.

This week, she’s giving out sound advice on what to do when your teen falls in with the wrong crowd, and how to handle your partner’s obnoxious friends.

Read on for this week’s reader conundrums and Em’s advice.

My tween has just gone back for her second year of secondary school and I’m nervous about her friendship group, which started forming at the end of last year.

She’s fallen in with some of the more ‘popular’ girls and she’s gone from being quite a sweet, introverted child, to an eye-rolling 12-year-old ‘mean girl’ who now laughs at the expense of other less popular students.

My husband and I didn’t raise her this way and it’s hurting us to see her act like this. I know some of it might be down to puberty, but I really think it’s the bad influence of these girls she’s surrounded herself with. When I’ve met them, I’ve honestly felt like I might be bullied – and I’m in my 40s!

I feel like banning her from spending time with them will only drive her further into their influence, but I don’t know what else to do. 

I imagine this is one of the hardest parts of motherhood, as I’m sure I was an absolute *horror* for my mum to deal with when I was at the age your daughter is now.

I don’t envy the situation you’re facing in the slightest and I wish I had an answer for you. Alas, teenage girls are an enigma and so instead I think this might be a case of trying a few different tacks, and mustering as much patience as you can manage while you try to crack her.

Want to ask Em Clarkson a question?

Em Clarkson is here to solve all your problems.

Well, sort of.

As Metro’s agony aunt the influencer, author and content creator (busy much?) is primed and ready to be a sympathetic ear, an oracle of wisdom or, quite simply, a stand-in for that girl in the nightclub bathroom you share your thoughts and dreams with while waiting in line.

While she stresses she’s no alternative for therapy, Em is keen to talk through any quandary.

With over 300,000 followers on Instagram and a reputation as one of the more honest influencers out there, Em is often asked for advice in her DMs. Now, she wants to do the same in Metro, as our columnist.

No topic is off limits. So if you’ve a question for her agony aunt series, email askem@metro.co.uk.

I think in the short term, I’d endeavour have a conversation from a place of love and concern, rather than anger. No one wants to be told that they’re hurting someone, or that they’re behaving in a way that is disappointing someone that they love. That is the message you need to convey, but without blaming …read more

Source:: Metro

      

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