‘Camp’ behaviour in 9 year old

[Marypoppins19]

I don’t really like the term ‘camp’ but can’t improve on the description so bare with me.

Ds - loves a giggle, always messing around, very happy child. Last few months has been mimicking camp behaviours, hand gestures and phrases whilst in silly mode.

Dh thinks this is ‘naughty’ as in its silly and annoying so has said literally - stop being so silly.....

But I feel that’s a bit strange as it’s giving the impression that that behaviour is wrong??

He isn’t taking the piss out of people behaving in that way, he’s just behaving like that as he thinks it’s an ok reaction.

I’m doing a crap job of explaining this....

I didnt say he personally was mocking people. He may well not really realise exactly what it is. But theres plenty of this stuff on you tube and other kids at school would probably he doing it aswell.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being camp I just think its important to make sure this isnt something that's come from mocking a teacher or a mids older brother etc

Unfortunately, bullying is a thing. I wish it weren't, it's damaged me to the extent its effects are a lot of what I try and get help with in therapy, but it is.

I have a daughter with a disability, I’m more than aware bullying exists.

Teaching children not to be themselves so they avoid it is not the answer and is just as damaging.

We are all aware of what bullying is minty

Most of us have probably have subjected to it at some point.

Ask yourself what form this bullying took. Over exaggerating mannerisms and the way someone speaks/walks/looks etc

Now as being camp is such normal behaviour, when was the last time you saw a man strutt and click up to a cashier in the bank.

God your spill your pint in the pub walking like that.

In 20 years of serving the public I have never once witnessed this.

The camp behaviour usually takes other subtle forms. The only time I've seen such exaggerated behaviour is on tv, things like little Britain or when a group of lads are pissed on a stag do and taking the.mick.

I do think we have to ask ourselves what's more likely. A 9 year old Wakes up one day a few months ago and channels his inner drag queen. Or his mates found some clips on you tube and think they are being funny.

And 9 is yr 4 maybe yr 5. Right when kids start getting mobile phones.

We are all aware of what bullying is minty

Tell that to whoever it was who felt it was necessary to high handedly tell me bullying is a thing 🙄

You can be into computer games and football and be camp. They aren't mutually exclusive. Hope you can nurture your child's emerging self and give him the confidence he needs to be true to himself whatever form that takes over the years.