I was lying awake last night so worried about my DS.
I'd really appreciate some advice.
Moved schools last year due to problems with management of last school (didn't really affect DS but it was clear school was struggling and many children have left).
Single parent, DS (9) recently diagnosed ADHD. DS is sporty, outgoing and close to my parents who live locally. He plays extracurricular sports and we have plenty of family friends.
I work a lot in a demanding job.
I have a partner of 1.5 years who DS likes very much and who takes a relatively active role in DS life. No contact with DS dad since Ds was 4mo.
He is apparently playing alone at school.
He asks to play with others but they don't let him.
This is a new problem and I think related to the new school.
Feedback is that he's having conflicts with other children and becoming a target for bullies.
He is able to articulate this and is telling me that he is being bullied. He has an argumentative streak (eg argues with the ref in games, he's stubborn occasionally) so I believe that it's a bit of a two way street but I'm worried that this is leading him to being isolated. They seem to be of the age where popularity and friendships matter a lot. I think he's lacking in confidence, acting up to get attention and it's backfiring (I have examples but too long to list here).
Today we were at a class party and before I arrived to pick him up he and a child he has had problems with before had an argument. His other friend told me that the boy did nothing to DS. I don't know what to believe.
I have a meeting with his head of year, teacher and SENCO next week. How do I help him? He is receiving school counselling.
I just want to stop him going down this path and boost his confidence. :(