If another child seems to be playing quite rough at school with your child would you mention it to the teacher???

[allthreerolledintoone]

Ds went back to school a few weeks ago and came home with quite a few big bruises on his legs. He has now just come out of school with a red eye which i noticed straight away because someone hit him with a tie.

I realise boys play rough and my child is no different to other boys and i haven't witnessed anything myself so can't say what his part has been in it. However the same name keeps being mentioned and it seems this particular boy plays rougher then most.

I told ds the first time to play with other children or to tell the teacher if it happens again.He doesn't seem bothered by it or worried about this child so don't think he is being bullied or anything. However another mum friend said i should tell the teacher (she's very, very protective and over reacts to most things concerning her child)and is always at the school.

I don't want to be petty as i know how boys are and they do play fight and it can get out of hand and they do come home with bruises but my concern is that it is from the same child and this is not being seen or watched. What would you do?? would you have a word or tell your child to stay away or tell the teacher when it happens.

I'm a teacher and I'd say have a quick word with a teacher, saying exactly what you have above. You're not being overprotective, just care and they will keep an extra eye out on what's going on - even if it is nothing. There are, sadly, too many parents who don't give a monkey what goes on with their children.

How old is your DS? I would see if he can deal with it by avoiding the child and telling the teacher. If this fails to resolve it then I would speak to the teacher.

I would say yes. I had the same problem with my DS#1 last year. He knew exactly who had kicked him and why. It was part of a 'fighting' game they had been playing, which other children turned into proper kicking and punching. After discussion with the teacher and eventually a complaint to the head, it was addressed and it stopped. DS#1 no longer plays with those boys.

There is a line between rough play (which my ds#1 does do) and intentionally hurting (which was what was happening). That line was crossed so I took action.

nigglewiggle - I agree also. DS#1 did tell the teacher (well TA) each time it happened, but it was not dealt with so it continued. it took my intervention in the end to make it stop. Not something I wanted to do, but DS was getting nowhere.

Definitely. Immediately. Nip it fast in the bud. The school should have a clear policy and practice for dealing with this in an effective way for all involved. (And an appeal process if it is not).
Good luck.