You’re juggling deadlines, carpools, dinner plans, and everything in between here in Sarasota. Then your 12‑year‑old daughter looks up and says:

“It seems like all anyone cares about is TikTok and makeup; nobody wants to play with me.”

Tween circles can pivot overnight, leaving kids who aren’t ready to follow every trend feeling lonely and frustrated—sometimes even a little embarrassed.

At Forty Carrots Family Center, Sarasota’s evidence‑based parenting education nonprofit, our master’s‑level Parenting Educators and Licensed Mental Health Therapists lead free, trauma‑informed Parenting Support Classes county‑wide. Whether you’re guiding a grade‑schooler through playground politics or helping a teen manage social‑media pressures, these workshops give you practical tools that fit your hectic life.

Why It’s Not Too Late to Talk with Your Tween About Feeling Left Out

Noticing her struggle now means you’re exactly where you need to be. Resilience is built in moments like these.

Quick Check‑In (in the car or at the dinner table):

“Hey, you seemed quiet today after school—anything on your mind?”

Five focused minutes can open the door to the conversation she’s been holding back.
Notice the Small Clues

She may not say “I feel left out,” but you might see:

• Reluctance to join friends at Sarasota Middle basketball practice
• Sudden tears before bedtime at your Gulf Gate home
• Hiding hobbies she used to love

Tip: When you spot these signs, use a calm invitation:

“I noticed you seemed down this afternoon. Want to talk while we make dinner?”

Validate Her Feelings—Even When You Don’t Relate

Tweens face intense social pressure. She needs to know it’s okay to be herself.

Say: “Loving your action figures doesn’t make you weird—it makes you you.”

Leverage Our Parenting Support Classes

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Our free Parenting Support Classes meet you where you are—at Sarasota libraries, North Port schools, or online evenings—and cover topics like:

• Navigating peer pressure and social‑media trends
• Managing sibling rivalry and changing friendships
• Building confidence through age‑appropriate boundaries

Just one class can give you phrases, routines, and confidence to guide your child through any stage—from grade school right on into the teen years.

Keep the Door Open with Small Moments

• A quick “How was lunch with your friends today?” on Fruitville Road
• A shared snack at Downtown Sarasota after school
• A bedtime check‑in: “What was the best and hardest part of your day?”

These low‑pressure moments build trust, so she knows you’re always there.

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

If you’ve made it this far, you care—and she feels it. You don’t need all the answers; you just need to be present.

Ready for Extra Support?

Join our free Parenting Support Classes and gain real‑world tools from Sarasota’s licensed experts: Find Your Free Class »

Because every parent deserves backup—and every tween deserves to feel seen.

Download this printable guide to help keep these strategies in mind when the moment is right.