DS bullying a friend!

[mamanestfolle]

My DS is 4 and was on a playdate today with 2 other friends. 2 of them ganged up on the other, locking themselves in a room saying the other child couldn't join them, refusing to share toys etc... The other child was very i upset. I was not present during the incident.

I asked DS to apologise and have told him his behaviour is not what I expect from him and that I am very disappointed. I have explained he needs to look after his friends and that behaving as he did made his friend very sad.

I have apologised to the other mum, I sent her an email earlier and suggested a playdate so that our sons can build a stronger relationship and that hopefully this does not happen again.

She has been lovely about it all and is up for meeting for a playdate.

I really don't want this to be repeated... Is this behaviour 'normal' at that age? A bit lost as to how to deal with this, so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Three is generally not a great number of kids to play. 2 will pair up and exclude the other.

They are very young I think you are over thinking. ...

I would also avoid groups of three, it's not good at any age! I'd have to ask about the level of supervision though. There would be no possibility of bullying if I had 3, 4 year olds at mine. I think they were left to it too much.

They are very young but it sounds like you've handled it very well - he does need to start to understand the impact of his actions.