Bullying advice for Dad

[Xpolsiv]

eally could do with some advice here from both mums and dads. My 8 year old boy has been coming home from school recently upset due to being picked on for various reasons. Today, apparently, a TA called him a baby for crying. He's very sensitive and takes things to heart. When I was his age I had a physical and emotional bullying issue which persisted until the first day of high school. My parents attitude was names can't hurt and my bruises I just blamed on falling over etc, which I know they didn't believe. Several times went into speak to the head but to no avail. In fact it made things worse. On my first day of high school one of them hit me and it was at that moment I thought enough was enough and let's just say I was no longer a target. With my son part of me wants to say to him, and I have half joking, just smack these kids square in the nose and it will stop but as a parents it's the wrong approach...or is it? Should I speak to the school? I know the head it's in denial with regards to bullying in her school. I'm at a loss. Please help!

[MrsOverTheRoad]

It's very tempting I know...I've often looked back at my own school days and remembered the times I did resort to violence as a means of defence.

It worked but it's damaging.

The problem is that hitting doesn't mend the problem of self esteem...I think it's better to build up his confidence. Look at sending him to martial arts classes or drama classes...cubs and scouts are also great for helping kids with self esteem.

[Xpolsiv]

Yeah I agree about self esteem issues. We managed to get him into cubs and he lasted one week. Enrolled him into kickboxing and he managed 3 months. The drama it caused on the days he was to go his mum couldn't cope and we let him quit. He doesn't like change and new environments and is extremely shy at times but other times not at all. I've often joked with mum that he's autistic....he's not im quite sure but the traits are uncanny.

[GreenTulips]

I wouldn't go to school - email on there's a paper trail

Start quoting the complaints procedure at them

Ask what are they doing in respect of safeguarding your son

Explain that you don't agree with violence however due to the nature of the continued bullying he can not be hald responsible for any actions resulting in continued provocation - or self defense