How do I explain this to my 2-1/2-year-old daughter?

Yes, how do you make a young child understand? Have you talked to the parents yet?(neighbors) Maybe just to find out what they are like. Maybe it would be good to let your daughter find some real friends? Go to the park, when she cries. Don't react on her crying though, she will end up doing it for everything. Children are very smart, when it comes to getting what they want. That is only normal. Maybe you can tell your daughter that the other child is not feeling well. It is better to leave her to sleep, so she will feel better fast. That way she will be able to accept it, and not go on crying. When she keeps crying, the only thing to do, is tell her to go to her room. When she is finished she can come back and talk to you. But, no crying. This usually works the best, but it is hard. The first 3 times they will cry and cry and scream. But, then when they realize the crying is what is making them go to there room , they stop before they need to go there room. Patience and Love is what it takes. She will be fine. I have two big children, a daughter of 23 and a son of 21. I have raised a 3 year old for 3 years not to long ago. With her it worked great. Go cry in your room. She would walk to the stairs, wipe her eyes and talk about what ever was bothering her. This way you don't need to scream or get irritated. You can stay calm, what makes the child get calmer faster. Then again, if your child has a reason for crying (falling or hurting or feeling sick ...)of course you don't send her to her room. Then she needs cuddles. But, I take it you know what I mean, lol! Take care, good luck. Margajoe

Ahhh that is so sad. Have you tried asking the mom if the child can come to your house and play? Perhaps she is just not comfortatble having someone elses child in her home. I would just leave her a note or something and just ask if you can set up a playdate for the two girls once a week or something.

Why don't you invite the 3 year old to your house? Talk to the mother. Maybe she doesn't realize what is going on or maybe she doesn't want your daughter there. If you choose to bring your daughter in the house and she throws a tantrum - put her in time out and tell her "when you are done you can come out" Then walk away - let her scream it out. Don't lose your patiens over it - chose your battles. This is one you don't want to have - so tell her this is the way it is. You can't go play right now so play your self of sit in time out if you are going to act like that. 3 or 4 times in time out she will get the picture. Don't scream at her - whisper to her. She will listen more if you whisper then yell. Yelling goes in one ear and out the other. It sounds like you are stressed. Don't get so worked up over it. BE PROACTIVE - Do some thing about it. Be a parent!