My ten year old is tiny and slight. Abnormally so, so much that he has been referred to hospital to try to work out why he is not growing. He is the size of an average seven year old. He is also anxious and nervous though he has some friends at school.
He is also being physically bullied by the big boys in the class. I am seeing his teacher tomorrow about this. This is the third boy who has picked on him physically. It seems clear to me that he has become a target, that the big kids have realised that he is an easy target who cannot fight back and its a game to them now.
I am very worried about him going to Senior School next year. What can I do to help him project more assertiveness and confidence to stop him being a bully magnet. He does do a self defence class but says he cannot use the moves at school as he will be told off ( which is true). When I ask what he does when kids pick on him he says he says nothing or walks off and cries.
I would be very grateful for any advice. I have thought about maybe hiring an actor to teach him how to project confidence? Could this work? How would I do this, if so? Any other ideas?