Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Kudos to the DH (re: bullying)
So, I brought Gavin to a classmate's bday party yesterday and the Mom of one of the kids he is always talking about (Aidan) was there. They happen to live in our Borough and the boys ride the bus together in the morning, are in the same classroom, and are in extended care a few days a week together.
I never met Mom, so I introduced myself to her and we got to talking about the boys. First, it was nice to hear of some nice things Gavin did for Aidan that I didn't know about. But then she asked me if Gavin had told me about the big kids on the bus taunting him - I guess Aidan told her this. Well, Gavin never told me this - and it appears it's only happening to Gavin and one other younger kid.
I asked Gavin last night and he told me these kids were taking his shoes off and taking his bookbag. He didn't make a big deal out of it, so I went home and told DH - who first brushed it off as "boys will be boys" and it must not be bothering Gavin b/c he never mentioned it.
So I guess this a.m., DH talked to Gavin more about it and found out these kids are brothers and one holds his legs down while the other takes his shoes off. So, DH decided to take Gavin to the bus depot stop (versus the stop on our street) to talk to the driver (the drivers are different since we have to do the whole bus transfer thingie). The driver kind of brushed it off so DH then asked Gavin to show him the kids, and then went over to their Mom to talk to her. He said that she seemed very surprised that this was happening - but seemed very nice and apologetic, too.
I guess we'll what happens. In the meantime, DH told Gavin to kick the kid in the mouth the next time he tries to take his shoes or his bag. (The kids are 7 and 9 - I never expected this so young!!!)
And kudos to DH - I wouldn't have have the gumption to talk to the other parent, I don't think!
My three sons!
Re: Kudos to the DH (re: bullying)
Clare, I honestly could cry thinking of sweet Gavin being treated like this! I am glad T took charge of the situation and I hope this makes a difference!!!!! So sad how mean kids can be at such a young age!
While I am not shocked that bullying happens this holding legs down & taking shoes of a 6 yr old does shock me. I am so naive! Clare - I am so sorry this is happening to Gavin. Are the kids in his school or a different school? Maybe that's why they can get away with it b/c otherwise I'd be all over the principal. We have big no bullying policies so I can't imagine the school would stand for it. Wow if I was the mom I would be mortified but then you have to wonder, where do they get the nerve?
How time flies! Caileigh (9), Keira (6) & Eamon (3)
Jake - 1.15.08
Liam - 5.17.11
I'm so sorry to hear that's happening to Gavin. How heart breaking. And good for your H for sticking up for him! I hope it subsides soon.
My dad is a former school bus driver and he was instructed not to take any bullying lightly. I would approach the garage supervisor and the principal if it doesn't stop.
Good luck!
Thanks for all of the feedback! We're not sure if the kdis go to the same school - our disctrict busses our parochial school and a private school together. DH tried to look at the uniforms but the pants could be the same (khakis) and the boys were wearing jackets, so he couldn't see if the shirts were different.
I did tell DH already that if this doesn't stop it, then I will go to the bus company and the principal about this. Right now, we're going to give the Mom a shot. (And Aidan's Mom gave me her number yesterday, so I'm probably going to keep in touch with her since Aidan tells her what's going on.)
And I know - when it was just "taking off the shoes" I was upset, but to hear this morning that they were/are holding his legs down, got me raged. I'm glad DH talked to Gavin more and got the story, and then handled the situation. He did say that the other Mom seemed genuine about our concerns. And he did tell Gavin to sit up front, too. *sigh*
My three sons!
It makes me so sad to think about this happening to your little boy! I can't believe bullying starts so young, it makes me sick to my stomach! You would think te bus driver would have seen something! Good for your husband, hopefully the mother of the two little boys gets controlled of te situation and the bullying stops!
Keep us posted!
Ditto. Tomas handled it so well! I hope that mom takes action, and those little jerks leave Gavin alone.
I think I'd be afraid of what would happen if my DH found out DD was being bullied. It wouldn't be pretty.