What are you views on strong peer friendships or the lack thereof at this age (8 y/o)? Beth feels down often as she says she has no friends at school. But, I am feeling ok with that. I mean I know she has friends but I think she does tend to get left out some. I just do not think strong friendships are necessary at this age.

I've spent some time thinking about this. My ds is 9 and I believe that he has friends in school. he talks positively about kids most of the time - but he's also a big complainer. If he initiates a phone call to another child and arranges a 'playdate' then he'll get together with someone, but he has yet to have another child call him FIRST and ask him to come play. If he were to get a phone call from another child, they would only be calling to discuss what that night's homework was - not because they wanted to 'talk' to him.

My friend's daughter who is a few months younger - or maybe even close to a year younger, but is in the same grade, is on the phone all of the time and not only always has playdates, but also has sleepovers.

I thought, therefore, that it had to do with the difference between the sexes. However, then again, I really don't know. I have a feeling that friendship is going to be one long road to haul for my kids.