scribblechic

My son is having peer problems at school.  It began with a group taunting him with an inappropriate rhyme.  Then, someone was unkind during gym class.  Most recently a peer was disrespectful while waiting for the school bus.  When my son came home in gym clothes because his school clothes disappeared from his locker my strength wavered.  I reached out to a friend and to my son’s school for support, reassurance, and guidance.  It takes a village to raise a child.

We build confidence and self-esteem at home.  Then, in moments of difficulty we nurture our strength with numbers.  When peers, parents, and teachers stand behind a child the weight of a challenge becomes bearable.  The message of compassion and value dispels toxic notions of unworthiness.

It is important to note I do not allow my son to play victim.  I try to give him a new script and recast supporting roles as needed. Each unfortunate experience begins with, you do not deserve to be treated that way.  Then I try to open up a dialogue that allows my son to look at the problem, generate possible solutions, and reinforce self-worth.  We have a similar conversation when he is unkind.

My conversations with teachers are centered in creating awareness and a sense of safety in the space of a school day.  I try to fight against labeling children bad. Rather I look towards the problem causing children to act badly, trying to determine how best to help my son navigate his day with both compassion and self-respect.

I turn to my friends for wisdom.  As a mother I am continually finding my way and looking to other strong women for guidance.  Some days, they are my sounding board, other times they are fantastic listeners, but more often they are a fresh perspective that lends balance to a moment mired in my own concerns.

Throughout our misadventures in 6th grade, I have had the strength of a village. May every child know a community of compassion and concern that celebrates and reinforces a strength of character empowering a future of possibility.

Tagged: Children, Friends, School, Support