Counseling Corner for 1/30

Counseling Corner Letter for 1/30

Dear Brain and Steele,

I’m the parent of 2 young children.  They are in elementary school now, one in 4^th grade, the other in kindergarten.  Yesterday, my 10 year old son came home from school and was unusually quite.  The next morning, he didn’t want to go to school.  After some constant questioning, we found out that he had been “bullied” at school.  One afternoon at his locker, an older student came by and knocked his books out of his hands.  I asked him how many times that this had happened, and he said “once.”

Now I wouldn’t consider what happened a severe form of abuse, but it clearly bothered my son, so it obviously bothered me too.  I told him that some kids are mean, and don’t know better than to pick on others.  I also know that this is just the beginning for him, as far as running into possible bullies.  He’s not even in junior high yet.

I guess I need some help as a parent.  What can I tell my son to let him know that it’s not his fault?  Should I have him tell a teacher of the principal?  I fear that could lead to even MORE problems.  I know that bullying is a hot topic right now.  I just wasn’t prepared to have to deal with it yet.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

“Sad in Southern Iowa”