Jealousy issues: How do you reason with a 6 year old when they're feelings were indirectly hurt?

Question

I am a supervisor at a K-5 summer camp.

Background: Dancing is a great, big deal to the girls at the camp - each have their own little group and get to practice in the gym and everyone has a great time doing it.

The issue: Today, one of the girls didn't want to dance anymore, got very upset (crying) and didn't even want to eat her lunch.

The reason: Her friend was getting more attention than her, other girls were cheering for her friend and making a big deal about her and the girl ended up feeling left out and unimportant. She's 6 years old, and so is her friend. No one really directly hurt her feelings, she's just feeling out of the loop. I told her that she's doing an awesome job and that she shouldn't worry about what anyone thinks about her but herself. It didn't really work, she's still kind of upset. Any suggestions??

Answer 1

design an activity for the group in which they will have to give her attention...

or give her something to help her feel better

like an xbox ;)

Answer 2

It's hard to reason with emotion.   But, can you imagine this kid growing up, and always wanting to be the center of attention--not really good.  Depending on your communication with her, you might be able to convey that sometimes you excel, sometimes another person does, but that doesn't mean you pout  (And, if she does want to pout, don't reward her by giving her extra attention--that's counterproductive.)

Answer 3

This is a really tough situation especially when dealing with 6 year olds. It is really important that children learn early in life that they can't be the best at everything. This has become a growing problem in society today and has created a generation that is overly self obsessed with over inflated egos. I would highly recommend encouraging her to explore other avenues in addition to dance. Not everyone can be the best at everything so help her figure out something that she is good at. Again, I know from working with children that this can be easier said than done but we've all had those moments when we realized we werent the best at something and despite being disappointed it is these moments in our life that help us find what we are good at. Good luck!

Answer 4

You could talk with the other girls, that might help. You might also suggest the girl to do a little dancing duet thing with her friend. Then they will both get equal attention and neither one of them will feel left out. Tell her that it's okay to feel jealous sometimes, because of course everyone feels that way at some point. But also point out to her that just because people aren't cheering her on doesn't mean she's not doing an awesome job. Explain that she can also tell the girl how she feels, and maybe they can teach each other some new dances. :D

Answer 5

Tell her to show off any cool talents to the girls.

Answer 6

Compliment the girl in dance and in other activities whenever you can./

Answer 7

help her out and teach he something that the other girls dont know and help her get their attention so they will include her agian..