Nephew getting bullied by older brothers

[Onionpeeler]

Hi Mumsnet,

I'm really worried about my youngest nephew, 9. He is getting bullied constantly by his two older brothers (14, 12). Oldest one has personality problems (narcissist) and has intimidated the middle one to gang up against youngest.

It takes the form of humiliation, ridicule, name calling, exclusion, sniggering. It's been going on for years and I'm really worried about the effect it's having on him.

Single parent family, boys being raised by dad. Dad doesn't know how to handle it. What can I do as an aunty?

Poor boy. If I were you I would be taking that little boy out on his own for trips as often as I could and positively THROWING good words and compliments at him.

If you can manage once or twice a week...doesn't need to be a fancy trip...just out for a play in the park or a walk or for a drink in a cafe now and then.

Give him the opportunity to talk to you and you take the opportunity to let him know how clever special and unique he is. And see if you can give him some tips on how to cope with his brothers.

HAve you spoken to his Dad?

It's great that you have spotted it and want to help.

Be there for him. Allow him to develop the self respect needed to understand he does not deserve this to happen to him.

Give him opportunities to reflect on the importance of not mimicking their behaviour against his own peers. My son's bully was picked on by his brothers and became a nasty bully himself, and not punished for it by his parents.

The dad needs some sort of support too.