Help! My step daughter needs friends and I don't know where to look!!

Stacy - posted on 03/14/2009

I know in MN we have a ton of YMCA's and they usually have a bunch of different programs especially in the summer.  some last a day and some last a few weeks where they go to different "camps" not over nights just day trips. that would be one way she could at least meet new people and make friends- especially if it was one that lasted longer then a day. good luck!

Heather - posted on 03/14/2009

I was going to reccommend volunteering for some local organization - maybe something you and her could do together even, until she meets some kids her age. Volunteering is a fabulous way to get involved in a new community ( or one she doesn't get to go to school in) and a wonderfull way to build an empathetic responsible teen......good luck!

Christine - posted on 03/14/2009

Maybe contact your local Chamber of Commerse and ask them of any teen programs they have in town. I know she is 13 but my daughter still loved the Girls Scouts at that time. Maybe contact your local groups and find out the ones that meet on the weekends. :Lets see does she like animals? Most animal shelters love to have teen volunteers come on the weekends and do things around the animals. It is a great way to meet decent kids too. My son does this. Usually it is hosing out the kennels. Feeding the animals and walking them. I would suggest a no kill shelter that would help with the heartbreak that she might hear. Those are what I can think of right now but I am sure with enough posts your going to do get lots of ideas.

Lisa - posted on 03/13/2009

I had a similar issue with my stepdaughter who visits every other weekend. She sat in the house with her DS while my DH tried to figure out how to entertain her. I started to work in the yard and do a few outdoor activities and noticed that kids are on our block. (They dont always play outside all day like I did when I was young.) I told one of the girls about her and that she comes every other weekend and then I took my SD to meet her when she came. I met the girl's mom and SD . Now, a year later she sees her almost every other weekend. THe little girl introduced my SD to some of the other girls in the neighborhood, so now she knows a few girls on the block. Hope this helps!

Teresa - posted on 03/13/2009

How about parks and rec? Mine has programs just for teens. The library too. Some are ongoing through the year, and some are summer programs.

If they don't have anything, suggest a program. Both the library and P&R here allow residents to suggest and/or lead new programs. Granted it's volunteer work, but your SD is old enough to handle that.

Tara - posted on 03/13/2009

Is she outgoing? I also have my step children EOW and they are very outgoing so they have managed to make friends in the neighborhood. Also, do you have a YMCA in your area? Ours has teen night everyonce in a while on Friday nights and other various activities during the weekend for teens. And as mentioned below if you belong to a church that has a youth group that would be a great place to start too. Our youth group at our church is small and pretty much consist of only our kids so on Friday nights they go to the Local Salvation Army that has a girls program (similiar to girlscouts but christian based) and they have made tons of friends and my BIo daugther visits her bio dad EOW so she doesnt get to go every friday but still loves it and has made friends. Or do you know any other moms with daughters the same age? Maybe you can arrange a mom and daughter day with them so your kids could get to know each other and it could even give you a chance to meet new friends if it is not someone you are already close to. Hope this helps! Good luck!

Michelle - posted on 03/12/2009

perhaps you could try getting her into some sort of club?? or maybe a part-time job somewhere. i know a job wont sound very interesting to her but shed meet people around the same age depending on where shes wrking or some customers might come in the same age. at least then she has to come back every weekend to see you guys if shes got to go to work. itll also help with her selfesteem and learn responsiblilty if shes coming into her teen years where she'll want the latest everything. in australia i think you have to be 14 to get a job. but even if she volunteers at a church group or something to get outta the house. hope that helps you.

Jessica - posted on 03/12/2009

first, if you post where you are that would help a lot.  Also, I know it's not nearly the same but I started a facebook group for my SD (13) to talk to other kids about all the issues that come with a non-nuclear family.  So far no one really talks but perhaps if we get a couple more and someone to break the ice it will be a great place for virtual relations.  I really depend on this group and wanted something similar for my SD.

check out (I think) teen support for blended families - I've left other posts about it....