So in addition to all the stuff with Mrs L, the kid has also been dealing with a bully in his class. Well, really, the one in particular and her little friend. They're a couple of mean girls(MGs). I can see into their future. Middle school. High school. They are going to make others' lives more miserable. Well, the potential is there. I hope with all I am that something or someone will turn that around for them.
But, it's so interesting to hear the kid talk about them. On the way to school Friday, I brought up to him the possibility of switching classrooms after break (this was before we'd had a decision from Mr P). I told him it would mean a new teacher and kids, but he could still see his friends from his current class at recess, etc... He said, "well except for MG1". I asked him what he meant. He said, "I think I'll avoid her. I mean I like her, but she's kind of a bully to me and some of my other friends". I asked him to explain to me what that means. He said (verbatim), "Momma, lets just say she's kind of complicated to get along with. MG1 is difficult to communicate with effectively quite often. I think it's in my best interest to just avoid her if at all possible". He'd also said earlier in the week that both of the MGs were beautiful on the outside, but not very pretty on the inside.
He went on to explain some of the behaviors MGs 1 and 2 are exhibiting. And I would agree wholeheartedly that they are indeed bullying the other kids. Of course later that afternoon the parent I had lunch with confirmed that she, too, had seen MGs 1 and 2 bully the other kids. She has brought it up to Mrs L. Who knows whether or not Mrs L addressed it in any way. I - and all the other parents whose kids will ever come into contact with these girls - can only hope she will handle it better than she's handled many other issues.
Pretty amazing that a 5 year old knows a bully when he sees one. And even more amazing (aka sad) that they exist already in Kindergarten. Also, take that, Mrs L. My 5 year old obviously has deficiencies in his vocabulary. (eye roll) And, I am now done talking about her.
Today's lesson: Apparently, Kindergarten is not too early to talk with your child about bullying.
4 comments:
We have MG1 and MG2 in Maggie's preschool. It started last year in the 3yo classroom and has continued on in the 4yo classroom this year. Maggie knew something was different with them last year, but wasn't sure. This year, in the first week, she nailed it. "They are mean to other kids and they don't use good decision making skills" Luckily, Maggie seems to be immune to their taunting. However, I, like you, couldn't believe it was happening so early.....
You have a very well spoken 5yo! Be proud!
wow! what a great kid you've got there. it's such a shame that he is already dealing with bullies. but, at least he knows he can talk to you about them. <3
I know a very sweet preschool teacher that has a gentle way of pointing out to children when they are being bullies or showing a moment of bullying behavior. And how that will get in their way of having friendships and working to gether. It is never too early to point out how that behavior doesn't work. Because it probably does somewhere in their poor bullying world :( And wouldn't it be great if we were all raised with the goal of working together? Think of the better discussions we could have as grown-ups :)
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