Dear collective,
I would like to ask for advice about our dear son.
DS made friends with two boys who were already friends at the beginning of Year 1. In year 2 things changed, DS was playing third whell. Then there was the "fighting" (DS's words) that boy 1 insisted on doing for several weeks (it involved pushing DS to the ground). Boy 2 participated only a little bit.
DH and I insisted and explained to DS he should only play with the boys if they were playing fairly, otherwise he should just walk away. DS managed to stay away from the boys for a day or two but eventually went back to play with them.
One day recently, boy 1 threw a "small stone" (DS's words again) at DS. DH felt enough was enough, so we emailed the school and asked for better supervision. School were very good but said what we already know: DS keeps looking for the boys to play with.
Because of what we said, the physical abuse has diminished but even the teacher has said she thinks it is now "a bit more mental".
DH and I have tried to talk less about the two boys. DS has in the last few days say we were "mean" about his friends and really screeched about it. We can her boy 1 speaking through DS's voice.
My main question really is: is there anything else we can do to help DS find the strength to walk away from these bullies? DS is already enrolled in two extra-curricular activities which should help promote new friendships.
Family around us are pressurising us to see a psychologist.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry about the long post x