My DS has loved Thomas the Tank Engine for most of his 4 1/2yrs. He has many trains (not all from Thomas) and loves cars, planes etc but Thomas is his old friend !
He was prem and his speech did not come until well past 3 1/2yrs so the colourful characters in the series and in the books were great learning tools etc. His balance is not the best and for which he is commencing physio. Now he is at school some of his schoolmates are calling him a baby because he's a bit wobbly and his speech is a little slower than other kids but he has always been popular and is always laughing and is so kind to other children who are having a problem.
This 'teasing' has gotten to the 'bullying' stage where he is is being pushed off of his scooter, and his bike as they are too 'babyish' (still 3 wheels and with stabilisers etc) we have spoken to his teachers who were horrified and promised to investigate. He now has a bruised mouth where an 7/8 yr old chased him to the back of the shed and punched him in the face !! I am so angry I can't tell you!!!
We are meeting with the school first thing but the question I have for you all is my partner wants us to 'de-Thomas' him, make him fit in with the Nerf/Ben 10 brigade and I feel that my son will view this as a punishment. That it's his problem and his fault that he's not following their lead. The only blessing is that although he knows that they are being mean he doesn't recognise it as bullying yet.
Please help me try to do the right thing it's breaking my heart