My daughter is 10 years old and is very quiet and shy. She does well in school and is a rule-follower. The problem is that she attracts friends who get her into trouble. Not huge trouble... but enough that she gets upset. She wants to tell these friends to leave her alone but she does not want to hurt their feelings. How can I empower her to stand up for herself and do what's best for her?

Tell her that a true friend is someone who will stick by your side no matter what, someone who will never let you get into trouble and is definitely someone who respects your wishes.

Sometimes it works to tell the parents of the other children that they should keep their kids away from her. Lets face it, It is not always the other kids. I know it seems as if you are being a turn coat but bite this in the aaaass now and be firm it gets carried away FAST. I have a general rule of thumb.. . If I suspect it, it is happening.