My Daughter Did a Favor for a Popular Girl at School. Her Brother Told Me How It Ended.
Briefly

The article addresses a concerned father's issue regarding his 12-year-old daughter's attachment to a pen she lent to a popular classmate who is not returning it. The author advises the father to reassure his daughter that while popularity is appealing, it shouldn't be prioritized at her age. Instead, fostering attributes like friendliness and self-confidence can lead to more meaningful social connections. The article acknowledges the complexities of social dynamics in childhood and suggests that the father’s son reporting the issue is actually a caring gesture to support his sister.
Being popular shouldn't be anyone's top priority at 12; instead, focus on kindness and confidence, as true popularity comes from being friendly and authentic.
Emphasizing that social status is mostly beyond one's control can help children navigate peer relationships without placing too much weight on popularity.
Read at Slate Magazine
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