Have you ever witnessed your children being the "odd man out" aamongst their friends.  I recently have been seeing this with my children and watching to see how they deal with it.

We all know the cliche, 3′s a crowd.  However, I have always tried to teach my children to be sensitive to those they are around, avoid talking about exclusive plans such as birthday parties, sleepovers, get togethers, etc.  It can definitely hurt peoples feelings and exclude those who are there while plans are discussed.

How do you teach your children that level of social skills?  I try to model it, but I have noticed an increasing amount of children lacking empathy and sensitivity to others.  Can't we all get along?  Why is there a need to compete, exclude or create cliques?  Every child needs friends and no child needs to feel left out or bullied.  Oftentimes when this occurs children either end up pulling away, quitting activities or deciding that perhaps their "friends" aren't true friends indeed.

How do you teach children empathy? Empathy is learned through life, trials, compassion and communication.  When a person can relate to others or at least try, they are learning to empathize.  Being the odd man out sometimes is by choice.  Sometimes it is by circumstances.  Sometimes it's a sacrifice of something good for something better.  We all need balance in our lives.  I am again amazed as I listen to my children and realize they really do no know how much they can handle and what they really want.  So, we are listening more, pushing less and trying to be patient as they find their own life balance.  I don't want to over schedule my children.  i enjoy that they genuinely want to be around us as a family.  So, I guess if this makes us odd, so be it.

As parents I think we are the best role models to life.  We show our kids what is important through our example and words.  Often times I feel like parents are trying to live vicariously through their children and nobody wants to feel like that.  We all long for respect and individuality, no matter how different that makes us. I love that my children are confident and self-assured, heaven only knows I could use some work on that!  So, here's to being the odd man out!  Dare to be unique; You-nique!

How do you deal with complaints from your children when they feel lfet out?  Do you interfere, just talk or listen?!