To ask for advice regarding ds being picked on?

[summerbreeze15]

My 5 year old started school this year and in the last two weeks he has come home with various scratches on his face/neck area. When I've spoken to him about it he says it was X. I've told him to tell X to leave you alone and not to do that. DH told ds which I'm not 100% sure I agree with to scratch/hit X back if he does it again. I will be meeting with the school next week but in the meantime has anyone any advise on how to deal with this situation? He doesn't seem that bothered by it and has only mentioned it to the teacher once. When I asked him did he tell the teacher he goes I forgot. I don't want him being scratched and picked on like that. I've practised exercises with him to get him to stand up for himself but he thinks it's a game

I wouldn't wait till next week. I'd take the teacher aside at drop off or pick up

You've done the right thing. Keep encouraging him to speak to you and the teacher.

Does he trust the teacher yet? I say that as mine were a bit hesitant at first with strangers - maybe that's why he's not coming forward

Take care

Oh just read the bit about DH saying to scratch back! No!!!

Our school taught the kids about 'kind hands' and everyone having personal space. Its not ok to say hit and scratch someone else.

I know, I've told DH he shouldn't be encouraging ds to hit or scratch back but he doesn't get it as that's the way he was brought up. Having a word after school is a little tricky as I pick up my neighbours children so it is difficult to talk to the teacher without little ears which is why I scheduled a meeting next week.

If your ds isn't bothered by it, could it be happening whilst the 2 of them are playing dinosaurs or something, and the other boy has scratches too? Or is it only going in one direction deliberately to hurt? Big difference I think.

No ds has told me he does play with two other boys and this boy x comes up to him and scratches him for no reason. I've asked ds has he scratched x at all and he said no.