My son (9) has experienced severe bullying this year to the extent the children bullying him have been suspended and eventually left the school. During this time, many friends stood by whilst the bullying was going on, I think because they didn’t know how to handle the situation or were maybe frightened that they too would become victims.
One child, who he didn’t really know before, became his friend and stayed with him throughout the bullying, told her parents and has been an incredible support for him. It is a very genuine and lovely friendship. Had it not been for her, my son would have left the school.
Now the bullies have left, his other friends have drifted back and are trying to include him again but they haven’t always been kind to him in the past and drop him quickly. I’ve always tried to stay out of friendship groups and don’t want to be controlling but want to help him to work out true friendship and what that means. Above all, I want him to understand how much his new friend has done for him and ensure that he doesn’t leave her behind.
Does anyone have any advice on how I do this or can point me in the direction of workbooks etc about friendships? He is quite a young nine and vulnerable for a number of reasons.
Thank you