Name Calling and Children

[tiggerlover]

A while back I posted about a problem I had with another parent because I told her kids not to do something that I saw as a potential hazard to their well being. This parent subsequently called me at my house and very grade-schoolish threatened to kick my a** if I ever talked to her kids again. Well, her two kids along with kids friend ride on the same bus as my child. In the last few days DS has been complaining that these children have been calling him names. We explained to DS (6) that people who have to call others names aren't too happy with themselves and only feel better calling people names. Today DS said that the next time he saw the principal he was going to tell him that these kids (2 third graders, 1 sixth grader and one eighth grader) were calling him names. So my question is, do I let DS handle this on his own or do I contact his teacher and talk to her or go to the principal myself. The mom in me wants to write a note to the teacher and explain the situation, but on the other hand I am thinking it may build his character if he handles it on his own. I am on the fence on this one and really need your opinions.

Thanks!

 

[browneyes]

He's 6 years old. Call the principal.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

There's no reason you both can't work on this situatin. Let your DS talk to the principle, but I would probably try and talk to the teacher and principle as well. Let them know that he is trying to work on it himself, but that you are concerned and want to know what you can do and how you can help him with this situation.

 

[tiggerlover]

Thanks for the advice, bumping this up for more opinions.

 

[RoqueC]

I really don't have any idea's, all I can say is that name calling is annoying, and well....pointless.

 

[peg2001]

If your 6-year-old wants to talk to the principal about it, I think you should support and encourage him. WOW! I am impressed. What a mature little boy you have.

While kids will be kids, I think having much older children calling your son names is completely unacceptable. Is it happening only on the bus? Would it be possible to speak to the bus driver and have your child sit well away from these children?

If it starts to really get ugly and affect your son, is there anyway you can avoid the bus and drop him off? I know that this is not always an option and may seem like "giving in" to the offenders, but teasing can be like torture to a young child if it goes on and on.

Good luck and please keep us informed of any developments.

Peggy

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

For the most part, I try to allow DS (8) to handle his own problems when it comes to his peers. It empowers him, and he knows he can handle himself.

In your situation, I'd step in only because 2 of the children are so much older. Send a note to the principal stating that you are concerned because these kids are so much older and are intimidating to your child.

Good luck. It's always tough when our kids are having a rough time.

 

[Kallison]

I would say if it were kids on his own grade level, let him handle it. But, I don't think he should have to deal with a 6th and 8th grader calling him names. Although last year my DD then 7 had problems with a 6th grader on the bus. She handled it herself by going directly to this boy's mother who was a sub teacher at our school. I think it gave her a big boost, knowing that she took care of it. Unfortunately I don't know if this problem will be handled so easily. The other fact that bothers me is that it is more than one child giving him a hard time. Kids find strengths in numbers, it could take awhile to calm down. Good luck.

 

[elgerber]

I think you should talk to the principal. If he wants to say something himself, I'd let him, to build his confidence, but being that he is only 6 years old, I think he needs someone to stand up for him. Kids that age have no business calling a 6 year old names, no matter what he did. Something should definitely be said.

Good luck!

Erika

 

[Beauty]

I would let him handle it his way and then I think you should handle it in the adult way. Talk to both the principal and the teacher and let them know what is going on. A mother who will make those kinds of threats isn't very grown up herself. ANYONE and I repeat ANYONE adult or child who gets joy out of making fun out of someone else is nothing but an immature child!!

Your son is certainly a grown up little man to want to handle this himself...you should be very proud of him!