Older kids taunting DS at the playground. WIBU to intervene?

[crankypants]

I'd like to know if you think IWBU and what you'd have done instead??

My DS (4) was following around some older kids (about 9 -11 year olds, mix boys & girls) in the playground, trying to get in on their games. DS can be a precocious little fellow and I imagine he was being a pain to the older kids and would have ignored any gentle attempts (if made) to get rid of him.

Anyway, I intervened when these kids were all circling him telling him to go. They said, "let's say it together" and all shouted at him, "go away [DS name]". So I just walked over to them, picked DS and carried him away.

I told DS that the older kids were not being nice to him and maybe we could find something else to do. He said he didn't mind that they weren't being nice and that it didn't hurt his feelings.

He is my PFB so maybe I over-reacted? Should I have just left him there to sort out his own battles (am conscious that he'll be doing this on the school playground when he starts reception next week)? I just didn't want him to think that it's ok to be treated like that. What do you think?

Don't know what the "but if" is doing before the word introductory there, sorry.

Don't pre-empt this happening at school OP. Don't talk to him about "sometimes not everyone wants to play with you" or he may second guess himself socially.....

They will all be on the same page once he starts school and will be fine in all likelyhood. It IS nerve wracking though!

Oh MrsWinnibago, I am flip-flopping, but is think you are right. He is so pumped about starting school (wore his school backpack to the park today), I wouldn't want to dampen his enthusiasm. Funny little thing.

I agree with mrswinnibago, confidence is a wonderful thing, you can't teach what it gives a child, don't overthink one incident.

Your ds sounds lovely btw

Thanks Sootgremlin, he's pretty great . Can't believe he's off to school next week! My little boy!