It must be great that things seem to be sorting themselves out. The smallest thing can throw us off kilter - when I was about 14, a lad in my year I think decided he liked me, and the way he showed this was running up and tapping me on the head. About 10 times a day. it drove me mad and at times, to tears. So stupid yet had a big effect. I only got rid of him when I left school. I tried everything and nothing stopped him. I can't imagine how much worse it must be for children who are subject to abuse and even assaults. Well done for getting through this and hopefully past this.

THe way you handled that should be written down in a parenting manualk somewhere! i remember seeing a little boy push my brother off a swing at day care, then punch and kick him and try and bury him with sand while noone stopped the kid. i wanted to go and throw that little kid out of the playground but couldn't do anything. it wasn't until Konnah retaliated and bit said kid that they opened their eyes and made them hug and make up. some kids really do jsut need the attention, but if this is the case and she wants your daughter over for a playdate, maybe you should go suss the place out first. perhaps the first playdate can be at their house, with you present talking to the parents?

Well done Elizabeth :)