not to do this

[turnipfarmers]

My son is in year 9 at high school and my friend's son is in year 11 and is going for head boy, a role which has to be approved by the head and then candidates are voted for by the older years (year 9 and over).

We have been for coffee and my friend has asked me to get my son to tell all his friends to vote for his son, however I've always been against things like this as it just turns into a popularity contest and I don't want my son choosing on the basis of me and the boy's mother being friends.

Would I be churlish not to help my friend by asking my son to do this?

Not at all,I understand he wants his son to win....but besides it being unfair on asking your son to do this,you don't have the same views,so be strange you and your son all of a sudden becoming number 1 campaigners!

Talk to your ds, and tell him that your friend's ds is standing for election. Then he can make his own mind up. If there isn't anybody else that he particularly wants to vote for, then he and his mates can vote for your friend's ds if they want to. Better to vote for someone they know (however distantly) than a total random stranger.

It's fine not to say anything. Just forget or mention to your son that your friend's son is standing for head boy but no more.

My son is in year 9 and I would imagine that if I attempted to tell him who to vote for on that basis he would put me straight and vote for who he wanted anyway or smile and nod and then vote for who he wanted. I would be very surprised if he tried to influence his friends based on who his mum is friends with.

Does you even son know this boy at all?

Was it said in jest? It's rather cheeky.

Perfect opportunity to teach your son about voting who they want to vote for despite peer pressure etc. I wouldn't say no to your friend and make a big deal, just dismiss it as a joke.

Personally I would not get involved but I believe in meritocracy 🤣

I spoke to my son just now and asked what he's going to do, he said he'll choose who he thinks is best regardless of this other boy. He knows him but their paths don't cross often except at a school sports club.