Teasing - what do you tell your children to say/do when they are called names?

[BlueberryPancake]

DS is a bit sensitive and gets upset when called names. He doesn't react, you can see his little eyes feeling insecure and his body language kind of collapses - his head goes down, his shoulders go down, etc. I want to tell to be more assertive is he is teased at school and to stand up for himself but I'm not sure how to encourage stronger behaviour. He is a sweetheart and a softy which is something that I obviously love about him, but I don't want him to be a target. He is in reception and some of the boys are really agressive with their language and will say things to him like You are poopoo, you're a baby, you're in nursery hahaha - you know the kind of things that is just teasing not bullying. How can I encourage him to be more assertive? Thanks!

[Mssoul]

Walk away. Every time. I have friends who disagree with this though. At reception age, tell a teacher. Invite kids who are being mean to play and see if he can establish friendships. Easier to be pals with the difficult ones than enemies as he gets older...

[bnm]

agree totally with Mssoul.

[maggiethecat]

I don't have to tell them anything, they'd probably of their own volition call the other child poo poo head!

[SE13Mummy]

Yes to walking away but someone needs to explain to the other children that name-calling/talking in a mean way makes people sad. Try to practise the situation with him (you play him, he plays the teasing children)...

DS: you are a poo head...poo poo!
BP: please don't talk to me like that
DS: hey, poo poo head. Come and play pirates.
BP: I don't like it when you talk like that. If you do it again I am going to tell Mrs Teacher.

[maggiethecat]

Agree SE13, - mine think that it's so funny that even I have been subjected to abuse!