Son’s issues could be part of bigger problem

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This article was published 24/03/2016 (3526 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I watched my youngest son bully his friend while playing in a big puddle in our back yard. He pushed him down, pulled off his boot and filled it with water. The boy was crying and tried to leave, but my son got in front of him and barred the gate, laughing. I ran out and grabbed my son. I dumped out the boot and sent the boy home, next door. I threw my son in his room, phoned the boy’s mom and explained what had happened.

His mother said that was the “last incident of bullying there would be,” and they had put up with enough from my kid. I had no idea. Her boy often goes home early from our house, and my son just says, “he’s a wimp.” I love my son, but I don’t like him very much right now. What should I do?

— Bully’s Mom, South End

Dear Bully’s Mom: Visit the school guidance counsellor, explain the problem in detail and ask for counselling help for you and your son. Bullying is taken seriously these days, so the counsellor will do everything to help resolve the issue. This problem will not stop with bullying this one boy unless you get help. The other little fellow needs to find out how to deal with kids who try to bully him, so his parents will also need to get involved and the counsellor ask for that.

By the way, does your boy experience any bullying behaviour at home with his dad, older kids in the family or bigger kids at school? This problem is usually wider than you first think.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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