DD started in preps a few weeks ago. She's a completely outgoing, social butterfly kid - she'll talk to anyone and everyone but doesn't really do besties.

Anyhow, for the last week or so she has been inseparable from a Grade 3 girl. I probably wouldn't be concerned about this except that the older girl has brought her a present to school and bought her an icy pole from the canteen. I've had a word with both of them and said no more presents, friendship is not about that stuff.

Hopefully, that's knocked that stuff on the head but they are both super keen to do playdates. As much as you can tell from first impressions, I don't gel with the girl's mum even though the girl seems lovely.

I guess apart from the present thing, I'm just uncomfortable with the situation. It seems odd that a Grade 3er would want to hang out with a preppie.

I've asked DD if she plays with the other preppies at lunchtime and she says no, that she hangs with the older kids, "because they can lift me up," to the climbing wall. She's a complete climbing freak so I can see the appeal of hanging out with the older kids who are more physically adept.

Whaddya reckon?