peichef
- 1,200
I warn you, this may turn into a lengthy message as emotion is running high right now. here's my issue....
I have 6 yr old twins boys and 4 yr old girl. We recently (not even 2 weeks yet) moved to a new city. Our street is brand new, mostly homes nuder construction, but has already has 21 kids on it -- most under age 10. My kids have been playing a lot with 2 little girls who live 3 doors down (ages 6, 5). When it's just my kids and them ,things are great. When 2 kids from another family are involved (aged 8, 5) things turn nasty.
Bear in mind, my kids have been pretty sheltered. They've never really been exposed to kid older than themselves (except cousins). The haven't started school yet (kindergarten is private & not part of the schools in our old province).
I am the first to admit that my kids aren't the most "socially aware" kids around. They are quite shy and despereate want to be accepted by other kids.
So... the problem. WE get home from shopping this morning and my kids go to join the others (the 2 girls and the 2 others), playing in a neighbour's yard. I hear the other kids tell mine they dont'want to play with them. Which is fine. My kids (again being socially unaware) follow the other kids to one of their houses, even after being told not to come. I'm walking down, going to ask my boys a question, when I see the 5 yr old girl (who looks about 7) come out of the garage and push one boy on his chest, knocking hm to the ground.
I continue to walk to the kids, check that my son is oaky, and ask what happened (even though I watch it unfold). The girl admits to pushing him. I call her over, tell her to apologize, then continue to tell her that it is not okay to push my kid or any kid, ever. I tell her I'll be talking to her mom when she returns from errands.
Now I am becoming friends with this girl's mom. In fact, she's doing a show for me very soon. I've left her a message, telling her there's been an incident between the kids and that I handled it in a manner I hope she approves.
Did I do the right thing? Did I overstep? Should I allow my kids to keep playing with these kids, given that this is not the 1st incident of bullying, more like the 5 or 6th in less than a week?
BTW: When I got my kids home, I sat them down to explain they when they are told they aren't welcome, they need to leave people alone rahter than following or staying to watch lioke wounded puppies.
Sorry for the length. I'm just sa sad after watching my kids be bullied this week.
I have 6 yr old twins boys and 4 yr old girl. We recently (not even 2 weeks yet) moved to a new city. Our street is brand new, mostly homes nuder construction, but has already has 21 kids on it -- most under age 10. My kids have been playing a lot with 2 little girls who live 3 doors down (ages 6, 5). When it's just my kids and them ,things are great. When 2 kids from another family are involved (aged 8, 5) things turn nasty.
Bear in mind, my kids have been pretty sheltered. They've never really been exposed to kid older than themselves (except cousins). The haven't started school yet (kindergarten is private & not part of the schools in our old province).
I am the first to admit that my kids aren't the most "socially aware" kids around. They are quite shy and despereate want to be accepted by other kids.
So... the problem. WE get home from shopping this morning and my kids go to join the others (the 2 girls and the 2 others), playing in a neighbour's yard. I hear the other kids tell mine they dont'want to play with them. Which is fine. My kids (again being socially unaware) follow the other kids to one of their houses, even after being told not to come. I'm walking down, going to ask my boys a question, when I see the 5 yr old girl (who looks about 7) come out of the garage and push one boy on his chest, knocking hm to the ground.
I continue to walk to the kids, check that my son is oaky, and ask what happened (even though I watch it unfold). The girl admits to pushing him. I call her over, tell her to apologize, then continue to tell her that it is not okay to push my kid or any kid, ever. I tell her I'll be talking to her mom when she returns from errands.
Now I am becoming friends with this girl's mom. In fact, she's doing a show for me very soon. I've left her a message, telling her there's been an incident between the kids and that I handled it in a manner I hope she approves.
Did I do the right thing? Did I overstep? Should I allow my kids to keep playing with these kids, given that this is not the 1st incident of bullying, more like the 5 or 6th in less than a week?
BTW: When I got my kids home, I sat them down to explain they when they are told they aren't welcome, they need to leave people alone rahter than following or staying to watch lioke wounded puppies.
Sorry for the length. I'm just sa sad after watching my kids be bullied this week.
