Teasing in the playground

[AtTheManse]

What do I say to my 7 year old boy who has girls his class who take his hat and throw it about, pinch his bum and run off that kind of thing. He's a kind little thing who doesn't know what to say other than tell on them which seems a cop out. I want to teach him to stand up for himself which he can do at home, but seems afraid of losing his temper at school.

little horrors. girls in packs can be really mean - often without really knowing they're doing it. have you spoken to your boy about why they might be doing it? often this kind of thing can be easier to handle if the motive is understood a little. of course, they may just be being mean on purpose. either way, it might be easier to handle if your boy doesn't take it too personally.
in situations like this i personally always encourage my children to speak up for themselves. so, next time it happens, i would encourage your boy to explain to the girls, clearly and calmly, that he doesn't like their behaviour, and why. it can be really scary for children, but as it has always been effective for us (every time i can remember anyway), it's worth it! if they're really scared i try role play to explore the different outcomes. that way the child is prepared, and it might initiate discussions about motive etc, helping your boy to understand the girls, and, importantly, any part he might unknowingly be playing in perpetuating the problem.
if this doesn't work, i'd go and talk with your class teacher.
good luck!

Could he try to 'join in' & run after them? As above, would be good if you can encourage him to not take it too personally, I know its 'his' hat but it could be just fun.

But if it is done in meanness then he is probably best to tell on them, IMO.

My DS loves running around the playground after other children but think he & his mates were doing so a bit much to a couple of girls so got told to stop it by playground supervisor (as girls didn't want to 'play' anymore) and took that fine, chased each other instead.

That does make so much sense, especially the bit about telling them what they are doing is upsetting him. Its easy to think they are doing it to hurt, but may just be overstepping things. Like the idea of role playing too so will give it a try. Wish my parents had thought of it!

let us know how you get on. glad to be of assistance.
btw, reading your original post - your boy sounds lovely. have just been on a thread in which many were defending the sensitivity of boys and pointing out that girls aren't in fact made of sugar and spice and all things nice! but am slightly confused. you say he "seems afraid of losing his temper at school". does this mean that for him, standing up for himself equates with anger? or that he is fearful of punishment at school if this does happen? might be interesting to look at the kind of messages he's getting about what "standing up for himself" actually means...