Parenting the ringleader of the friend group

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	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more "What if MY kid is the mean one?" Parenting the ringleader of the friend group Nina Badzin Aug 11 ∙ Preview   READ IN APP   Photo by Andrew Moca on Unsplash NOTE: The letter below reminded me of a conversation I had with Jessica Speer, award-winning author of books for kids and teens, including BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships and Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised. I replayed the episode this week with a brand new intro (like a mini-solo episode) for episode #159 of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. FIND EPISODE #159 on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! The anonymous question below about parenting “the mean girl” is NOT part of episode #159. However, since that episode and this letter have some connections in theme, I wanted to mention it here. Want to read every anonymous question + answer and dig into the archive? I’d love to have you join the conversation. Upgrade to paid Dear Nina, What is your advice if your tween is maybe the “mean girl” or ring leader of a group who dropped another girl? I have been struggling with how to parent her and make her realize it’s not nice to be the mean girl and it could backfire. I have tried to teach about second chances and seeing if people can change before making such a matter of fact decision to leave a girl out. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks, Anonymous Dear Anonymous, ... Continue reading this post for free in the Substack app Claim my free post Or upgrade your subscription. Upgrade to paid   Like Comment Restack   © 2025 Nina Badzin The Great Midwest Unsubscribe