Quote:
Originally Posted by syborg tt
Wow Eric life with kids is fun isn't it.
Okay so I can empathize and sympathize with this situation.
First off as a child I was always the smallest kid in the class but somehow I managed to be friends with everyone. Once and a while I would have a tuff time with a bully but it seems some of my bigger friends would always come to my aid. As time went the problems stopped and what I have learned I am teaching to my children (two girls 7 & 9 ). First off you need to be nice to everyone including your sister. My wife and I stand a very firm ground on this and it's if either one of my daughters or my daughters friends talk poorly to each other in our presence the playing stops till there is an apology.
This may sound strange but trust me I am the Dad that takes all the kids everywhere. Every Wednesday night you will find me at the local McDonalds with all the kids and some of the Moms. I have had as many as 8 kids by myself and I keep them all in check. You should see me on Halloween when I take 10 or 12 of them trick or treating.
So here is where we were in the same situation.
My oldest and one of the girls from school started having problems (no physical violence but trust me girls are brutal). We took the same approach you did but just one step further. We decided to arrange a play date with the little girl and my daughter so we could supervise there playing. This was pretty easy to set up since we try to meet all of the kids parents right from the get go. Trust me this works great and you will be doing this all the way through high school or till your kids leave the nest.
If you can somehow manage to meet with this child's parents and try to work this out where you can get your son and the bully together they might be able to become friends. In the end it will work to everyone's benefit and it may even help this kid become a better person.
It may sound like a lot of work but it's part of being a "Good Parent." Two benefits will come from this your son will not feel like you protecting him & the bully will end up having someone to look up to.
Ps - call me tonight if you want
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Thank you Marty. I can relate to the dad with the kids everywhere. I am him too.
I honestly had not even thought about what you suggested about getting the boys together like that. My focus has been on keeping them apart. But I sure can see where that would solve the issue and make a big difference in how they treat each other. My sons birthday is coming up soon, I will have to think about maybe inviting the other kid over if we do a party here. But then again maybe a meeting like that would be better one on one the first few times to establish a positive relationship first. (no other kids as distractions or influence).
I will give this some very serious consideration and talk it over with my wife as well.
I got your number, thanks again.