A Prairie Bitch

Who's old enough to remember watching Little House On The Prairie?  Remember Nelly Oleson from the show?  And who cannot forget darling Laura Engles....though I'm here to discuss the prairie bitch.

I feel we may have a Nelly Oleson in Zoey's class.  And I fear really making the determination that it's true.  I'm sure so many mom's have gone though the same protective, though know you need to let your children grow, thoughts.

Nelly (as we'll call her) comes up to me every day when I pick up Zoe from after school care.  "Hi Courtney", I hear, with a big smile & hug.  Nelly is so sweet, kind, cheerful, cute girl and just a doll.....in front of me.  I hear very opposite stories from Zoey, usually.  Our lil' Nelly is the most aggressive 5y/o I've ever seen.  She is not shy nor does she seem to fear much.  I worry how she treats Zoey.....Zoe is not aggressive like that. 

We recently went to Nelly's birthday party - I've tried to give the benefit of the doubt.  Upon arriving, her mom proceeds to tell me that ~27 kids were invited - 4 RSVP'd - 3 showed - Zoey & 2 boys.  I truly feel sorry for the parents - I don't think Nelly understands the no-shows.  (I'll admit, I sheepishly told the mom, "it is a difficult time of year to plan parties"...that was just to make her feel better.)  But it got worse when Nelly's mom commented on all the notes the Kingergrten teacher sends home:

        Me:  What notes?
        Mom:  All the notes Ms X sends home from school.
        Me:  We haven't gotten notes.
        Mom:  What?  No notes?  Seriously?
        Me:  Seriously!
        Mom: (to her hubby) Honey, you should talk to Ms X about all the notes.

My ears were shocked.  TALK to the teacher about the notes?????  How about talk to your daughter about what's in the notes!?!

My heart felt sad for the whole situation of the birthday party that day.  I told my hubby - if we had never gone I would have never known  but I am glad we were there.  Just 2 boys at your 6th birthday would stink....even if she's a lil' Nelly.

But in the true end - all I worry about is Zoey.  I am doing my best to teach her how real friends treat you & how to nicely walk away if someone is not kind (while voicing why she is leaving too!).  I don't think she's a "leader type" person in this sense but I do want her to just lead herself.  Lead herself to good friends & have good character.

This is a good example for all of us - young & old.  I hope you don't have a Nelly in your life.