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Advice on note I found in DD’s pocket

138 replies

AdviceonNote · 04/02/2024 16:21

I found a small note in DD aged 8 in her school coat. It says on one side “I hate your glasses” and on other side “dumb” with a picture of DD’s glasses. She’s in grandmas home right now (MIL) but I texted DH (also at MIL) and he thinks I should speak to school on Monday but I think we should show the note to DD when they come back and ask her what it’s about. DH is texting me saying I’m stupid and have no idea how to talk to kids and I will just push her away from us. What should I do please? She’s our eldest so this is new territory for us.

OP posts:
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MixedCouple · 06/02/2024 22:22

Poor girl. Yes talk to her and not confrontational. Make it a relaxed chat and feel around and see how she responds. If she obliges and tells you then ask her how she would like to deal with it or you to deal with it.
Remeber running to the school doesn't always work out. Could make the situ worse.

FarmGirl78 · 06/02/2024 22:19

I think it totally depends on how you talk to your Daughter OP.

Putting the note in front of her and saying "Can you explain what this is and where it came from" is going to come across as accusatory, and make her think you're cross at her (my parents did this, probably because they just didn't know how to handle it and panicked). Like maybe you would be cross at her or think it was her fault she was getting in situations where she was being bullied (like I thought).

Snuggling on the couch and saying how much you love her, and want her to be safe and happy, and that you found the note and it makes you sad that she might be being teased, and that it's not ok, and you want to make it right.....an approach like this will typically get a much better result.

Mariposistaaa · 06/02/2024 21:43

IWishIWasABaller · 05/02/2024 15:50

Please tell me that you're not bloody gullible enough to believe a story like that op?!

This this and this.
Why would she be crying and upset if it had all been a game. This is the oldest trick in the book that 7-10 years olds do when they don't want to be in trouble for doing something mean.

DarwyD · 06/02/2024 14:08

I believe you should discuss it with her. Grandma won’t always be around and you need to build a connection with her where she can come to you with anything. Let her know it’s not right and you’re sorry she had to experience that. End the conversation with her knowing whatever it is, you will be her shield and support. Whatever the explanation might be, take it up with school. Nip it in the bud asap. Let them understand your child is not one to be bullied. Make enough noise so the teachers keep an eye out for her because they know her mum can be trouble.

Teatotal2 · 06/02/2024 11:15

Don't show her the note, she knows what it says, she doesn't need to see it again.
Please do tell her that you understand how hurt she must feel and that is okay as it is an unkind thing for someone to do and say, validate her feelings but don't push her to speak immediately, let her know you will be ready when she is to talk & give her lots of hugs and love.
Go back to see if she feels like talking if she doesn't approach you. Explain that you need to speak to school, although she may not wish you to, but while you respect her opinion, this is non-negotiable as it is unacceptable for anyone to treat her in that way, and they need to be aware.
I say this as someone whose DD went through horrific bullying at school and who would minimise as I think she felt responsible in some way.
Keep a close eye on her and ask school to do the same, let her know she can trust you and always come to you with her worries.

WotsitsMadeIn1927 · 06/02/2024 01:20

AdviceonNote · 04/02/2024 16:21

I found a small note in DD aged 8 in her school coat. It says on one side “I hate your glasses” and on other side “dumb” with a picture of DD’s glasses. She’s in grandmas home right now (MIL) but I texted DH (also at MIL) and he thinks I should speak to school on Monday but I think we should show the note to DD when they come back and ask her what it’s about. DH is texting me saying I’m stupid and have no idea how to talk to kids and I will just push her away from us. What should I do please? She’s our eldest so this is new territory for us.

There is a social culture in schools about ‘snitching’. So I’d handle this carefully OP. I’d ask DD if she’s knows anything about a note. If not, don’t mention it. But I’d also ask if there’s any other pupils being unkind to her, as well as keeping a close eye on things for a while.
Hope all is ok 💐

Popcorn23 · 05/02/2024 22:45

Why is your DH calling you stupid? He sounds unkind.

loserssaywhat · 05/02/2024 22:01

Aw how horrible. Many years ago my brother recieved a very nasty note posted through our door by hand, my mum and I saw it and it was so awful we never showed him because he would have been incredibly hurt. My mum went to the school and we did work out who wrote it. Your husband is being ridiculous and frankly downright disrespectful. Of course you should speak to your dd. I would ask her outright if anything or anyone is bothering her at school and let her know she can tell you anything and that you will do your best to help and fix it. Poor kid, I hope she hasn’t seen it.

CrazyLadie · 05/02/2024 21:40

Just tell her you found the note while tidying up and you are a little concerned about the words use.and would like to discuss of further with her if she doesn't mind

rhianfitz · 05/02/2024 19:41

Your husband sounds very unkind

Calliopespa · 05/02/2024 19:13

Op the “ opposites”
game mentioned in your update is a real thing: we played it on school camp when I was a few years older than your DD. Unfortunately it’s not a great game as it tends to promote open season on giving insults that are meant but delivered under cover of being “opposite.” It became pretty obvious to me what was happening with the insults ( as well as lots of “ I really fancy so and so” just for the frisson of saying it out loud when it was probably actually true.) I suspect it was, therefore, unkindly meant and DD may have sensed this but obviously the opposites thing makes it confusing. However I suspect they were in fact playing it and it probably makes it hard to take it further with the school right now ( you don’t want them to become dismissive). But I’d stay on the lookout now you know who said it and move swiftly if there is another incident. The school will also have clocked all this; I just don’t think you’ll get far with them admitting to it at this point . Ironically they can hide behind the “ opposites” as well. Just give her loads of reinforcement and stay alert.

cremebrulait · 05/02/2024 18:43

AdviceonNote · 04/02/2024 16:27

Thank you all. Can I have some advice on how to approach it with her and what words to use? I think DH might be right in some sense of how I can be - I don’t mean to be but I know I can come across quite intense but that is my personality not connected to this. I know to keep it very calm and casual but what words should I use and how to approach? I’m thinking of showing her the note and asking her what it says and where it came from.

Yes - when DD is home tell her that you found a note in her pocket (or note fell out) and you wondered if it was important or if you should toss it in the bin. See how she reacts. If she sees that you know what it says and you're not upset she's more likely to tell you what's going on. If she doesn't right away, at a time when things are calm - ask her if it was about her glasses.... and you'll figure it out from there.

FWIW my son is 7.5 years old and bedtime cuddles are when he's most likely to tell me about something bothering him. This may mean we're up later than planned. But its the time he opens his heart up.

Jumpers4goalposts · 05/02/2024 18:34

Can I recommend getting your daughter the “confidence code for girls” it’s really good and definitely helped my DD in similar situations.

OldPerson · 05/02/2024 18:26

Worst scenario - another child is being mean to your child. Most important you need to listen to your child. But make it a happy experience, so your child feels reassured coming to you. At age 8, have junk food, hugs and a follow up activity (tv, game) to hand. Don't make a drama out of it, or make your child feel like she's in a court room. You can deal with it. And you always have the back up of going to the school. And you don't have to solve it in one session. "Are you okay?" "Is she/he mean?" "Did you know that only really unhappy people try to make other people unhappy?" "I'm glad I'm not him/her" Find out what's happening and then step back, reflect and decide on next actions if needed. Be completely on her side with support. But don't make a drama out of it. Or become angry about the other child. Just play it all down and make sure there are treats and reassurance for DD talking to you. It will encourage her to always come to you. If you turn into a maternal-instincts, offended-on-her-behalf, outraged nutter, she won't trust you as a safe calm person to come to.

Adifferentcorner · 05/02/2024 18:23

I haven’t read all the replies, but a friend advised me once, that if you’d like your child to talk to you, go for a walk or talk to them in the car. Apparently kids open up more when you’re not making eye contact. I’ve found this works really well. Can end up being lighthearted chats or they might tell me things they’re going through.

MargaretThursday · 05/02/2024 17:28

I would go back to school and say that you think this is very unlikely to be the case based on dd's reaction. Ask them not to continue it further today, but please can they keep an eye open for further bullying.

Calliopespa · 05/02/2024 17:26

AdviceonNote · 05/02/2024 17:00

@IWishIWasABaller @MargaretThursday you both are saying what I’m really thinking. I have my doubts this is the whole story.

The girl actually had a private talk with teacher and told her it was her (I know who she is now too as DD told me), I’m hoping this will stop her from doing again. The book I ordered yesterday arrived today so I will read that with DD. How would everyone deal with this from now on?

Just lots of positivity until anything else happens- not in an obvious way, but enough for her to reach into if she’s needing it.

AdviceonNote · 05/02/2024 17:00

@IWishIWasABaller @MargaretThursday you both are saying what I’m really thinking. I have my doubts this is the whole story.

The girl actually had a private talk with teacher and told her it was her (I know who she is now too as DD told me), I’m hoping this will stop her from doing again. The book I ordered yesterday arrived today so I will read that with DD. How would everyone deal with this from now on?

OP posts:
MargaretThursday · 05/02/2024 15:56

If it had been that I can't see any reason why you dd wouldn't have told you that.

IWishIWasABaller · 05/02/2024 15:50

Please tell me that you're not bloody gullible enough to believe a story like that op?!

AdviceonNote · 05/02/2024 15:45

UPDATE*

spoke to school who were very understanding and they talked to the class today and it was found out the kids were playing a game called opposites where they write something opposite of what they think! I’m so embarrassed but also don’t know why DD couldnt have just told me if this was the case. Glad it’s all sorted now.

OP posts:
Mariposistaaa · 05/02/2024 15:13

Poor poor little girl. 8 years old and already being bullied to the point she is too intimidated to talk to her parents for fear of the consequences and feels backed into a corner as she knows mum has found out.
You need to deal with this OP. You sound very caring and this needs nipping in the bud quickly.

Cazzaaaaa · 05/02/2024 13:44

Report to school for bullying

tocontinue1 · 05/02/2024 09:43

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines - previously banned poster.

TheSnakeCharmer · 05/02/2024 08:50

Perhaps you could model opening up to her by telling her things that happened to you as a child and how it made you feel or how you resolved it.

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