Joanna Fortune: My daughter is being excluded by her friends

"Children’s friendships evolve between the ages of nine and 12, when we tend to see an increased emphasis on the “best friends” group, especially among girls."

"It is not uncommon to see previously close friendships wind down, or a child will start talking about and showing more interest in someone new whose interests align more with theirs. Because of these changes, a fallout with friends at this age can be very painful for even though it is common and to be expected."

My 10-year-old daughter argued with one of the girls in her friend group at school. She is now being excluded from their games in the playground. She is hugely upset and cries when going to school in the morning. I’ve spoken to her teacher, who was very understanding, but little has changed. What can I do?

Fallouts with friends are never easy, but friendships can be under immense pressure at this age, which cuts deeper.