DS being bullied for his coat! It’s not that weird is it?

[Packofnerves]

DS turned 7 in dec and I brought him a new coat something different.He absolutely loved it and had lots of compliments from his friends at footie. But his school friends seem to pick up on everything and are so critical.

His school friends keep asking him why his coat is like that. It looks silly and it’s not a proper coat. He stopped wearing it for a little while and then wore it again on Friday and it’s the same stupid questions from them again.

https://www.napapijri.co.uk/shop/en-gb/npj-gb/sale-kids/rainforest-pocket-anorak-jacket-na4gna?variationId=041

He’s been odd all day today so withdrawn sitting in his room all day wouldn’t come to the park with me and his siblings. Refusing to get dresssed and sitting in his pyjamas and seems to get tearful really quickly.

I don’t know what to do!

I'm inclined to agree. It's rarely about the coat. I still remember moving to a new primary school and having the piss repeatedly ripped out of my supposedly boys' shoes. When I pointed out they were the exact same shoes another girl was wearing, I was told that it was okay for Sarah to wear them because she's a tomboy. The shoes were irrelevant, really — they were just looking for any weak spot they could find. Something similar might be going on here.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the coat! So sad that this behaviour kicks in so early (or at all!). A friend of mine whose son started school is Sep was telling me he’s stopped wearing some of his clothes because he was being teased by his new friends - they’re 4! 😢

His coat is very very trendy. my Nephew has one and he is high school age. could be jealousy from the other boys.

Lots of kids wear them at my child’s primary school, I can’t imagine it’s that unusual. You have a bullying problem not a coat problem. Have they got at him in any other way?

I just can’t believe how mean kids can be and they don’t realise the effect they have. In year 1 one of the other kids asked him why his nose is so big!

He has another coat and can wear it if he wants to but then I feel like they’ve won.

Even if it was half price it would be expensive fir a kid

I think that this is a popular coat! Agree that there's something else going on and this coat is just the cover to bully him some more. Have you noticed any other problems op?

It looks like a really nice coat. Nothing weird about it. The price is shocking though for a 7yr old's school coat!

I just showed my kids, 11 and 13yrs, the picture and the 11yr old said he wouldn't think anything of it and the 13yr old said a few kids in her school have them and it's fine.

I would have a word with the teacher and let her/him know it's getting your son down.

I thought it was totally unremarkable coat. I’d speak to the school about bullying though

The boys at the high school where I work would happily be seen in this. And they're really fussy about their clothes.

I love it! Looks so tidy and comfy.

If it would make your DS feel more comfortable at school you could get a cheaper 'normal' coat.

Poor thing.

Its a lovely coat.
Kids are strange.. My DC had boots last year which they chose themselves and loved. A week later, DC refused to wear them because some little boys in the class, laughed at them and called them elf boots. DC is popular so I don't think was disliked, but as PP said, kids look for weak spots, and probably do so to make themselves feel better.

It looks really plain, I don't see what they could be mocking. Maybe all the others have a hooded coat or something? If you can afford it, you could ask him if he wants to pick a new coat for school? (Cheaper hopefully)- though I don't want it to seem like he should bow down to peer pressure. I used to wear 'different' stuff at school cos I liked it and some kids tried to take the mick. If he's really upset it could be a case of bullying, though I doubt it.
Your DH shouldn't be telling your son his responses are rubbish. Not constructive at all and rude.

This jacket is so stylish! I now want one for myself (not sure if your son knew that, it would help the situation)! His school friends sound utter insecure little shits! Maybe a good time to talk about individuality and having your own style and not following the crowds! (To contradict that, I wonder if any celebs wear similar)! I have a three year old and am dreading when she gets to this stage of life, I would just want to go and give them an earful! Best thing to do is teach resilience and to not listen to others too much (easier said than done I realise)

Hi I'm sorry I think I posted my thread in your reply to your thread I'm new to mums net and not sure what I'm doing 🙈

The coat isn't weird, the brand has been fashionable for a few years- my teenager has a couple.

Agree with PP's- he isn't being singled out because of a coat.

@Packofnerves I gave my lot a couple of sayings to try out in these situations (after talking to them about different tastes in clothes and things in general)

"I like it, I don't need you to like it. People have different tastes" coupled with a shrug.

If they persist in critical/mean way " People like different clothes styles. Why does it bother you so much what I'm wearing?" Coupled with a confused look.

Finally " That's your problem, not mine, sorry '

Showed my son photo and he says it looked nice but stressful due to the over head side zip thing (so i reckon could be noticeable as different, I've not seen any like that round here).

If he wants to wear it support him. If he is crying and getting upset over comments, sit him down give him a hug and say no coat is with feeling sad over and he can/should wear another one and that won't make you sad. He might feel he needs your permission not to wear it, don't even suggest anything like your comment that he should be wearing it as giving in is letting them win.

It looks expensive so they think he’s showing off. Get him a cheap coat from Asda as someone suggested. The school won’t do anything and may make things worse.

That’s definitely a trendy coat - both my kids would love it and that’s a very fashion conscious 13 year old boy and a 21 year old female student. It might just be he’s ahead of the trendy game when it comes to his school friends.

It's so sad that the majority of responses are: buy cheaper and keep this for weekends. Even a suggestion to sell it.
I think op you have to talk to the school. Those kids are just bullies and shouldn't get away with it. If he stops wearing it they will pick on something else or someone else.

Why are our solutions to bullies often about accommodating them rather than dealing with the bullying itself

I mean this was a really popular brand (and still is I'm sure) when I was at school and that was only like 7 years ago

So I find it strange that anybody would bully him for it. It's a lovely coat, albeit a bit risky price wise

It's a "cool" brand (one my 19yo wears). If your son was a few years older I'd say his peers were jealous but IME 7yo are not really concerned by brands.

Kids can be really mean. Has he had other problems with these boys? Do you think there's more to it especially considering his reaction today?