My mom warned me this would happen someday

It has already started. I mean, my mom warned me this would happen someday. That at a certain point in motherhood you feel the overwhelming urge to kill another kid over what they've done to yours. I just wasn't prepared for it... now.

We sit at the dinner table talking over baby back ribs smeared in barbeque sauce talking about everyone's day as we eat corn and pick at the rice, taking turns sharing what we did, who we talked to or played with, what was for snack - the usual conversation.

It's E-man's turn. A very "shy" child, the 'who did you play with today question' has taken a happy turn lately as he seems to have finally come out of his shell and become a suddenly super social first grader. So his dad asks him who it was today.

"No one."

"No one? You didn't play with anyone at lunch?"

"No. I just played in the sandbox by myself."

"What about Drew?" I ask hopefully. He's mentioned Drew's name a lot lately. Surely he must have played with Drew.

"No. Drew kicked me off his friendship list."

"His what?" I ask dumbfounded. 'Friendship list' rolls back and forth on my tongue like vinegar and I wince.

"His friendship list. He said I'm off of it so I can't hang around with him anymore."

I seethe. This is not high school for christ's sake. This is first grade. Why are kids so goddamn mean?

I fight the overwhelming urge to cry. An ugly cry. My feelings are hurt for him. My son who has always seen social situations and new encounters as pure misery finally makes attempts at reaching out to other kids and he's instantly rejected. Kicked off the 'friendship list.' Even though I know these kids don't know better; that they're just being kids, I want to cry. And scream. And maul. It seems so dumb really. But I want to protect him. I want to find that little boy who doesn't know any better and shake him and scream DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MEAN YOU ARE?! even though it wouldn't matter; the kid would never understand.

I start stabbing at my rice and focus my attention on not crying. It takes focus. My husband keeps the conversation going.

"Did you play with anyone else instead?"

"No, Drew and Stewart are best buds so I can't play with him either. And the girls chase fairies which I don't even believe in - except the tooth fairy of course - and so I don't play with them. I played soccer last week with some kids but then I got kicked in the face with the ball SO I AM NEVER DOING THAT AGAIN."

I swallow hard. This is the kid that brought home his Scholastic Book Order and begged for the 6th grade World War I and World War II books. The same boy who finishes his math homework and writes a "novel" on the back for his teacher to read. The boy who would rather read or write or learn something historic or scientific than play outside or watch TV. And I love these things about him. I brag about these traits. But I also wonder if these same characteristics will make his social life - even at the first grade level apparently - harder than most.

"What about your snack recess? Did you play with anyone then?" my husband inquires hopefully.

"No. I just ate my snack and waited for the bell to ring."

Stab. Stab. Stab. I'm not even hungry but I'm still eating so I don't say anything. 'Cause I don't know what to say. Because it makes me sad and angry that my son now spends recess waiting for it to end. At 7 years old.

*

My own haunting memories of elementary school swish through my mind. I can't remember the names of people I worked with for years but I can vividly remember sitting in the sandbox in the 5th grade with my only friend Nicole, doing our best to avoid confrontation we didn't deserve when the 'cool' girls sought us out to tell us how fat and ugly we were. I was wearing a hot pink t-shirt with a pocket, black biker shorts and my hair pulled back in a bun and I kept my eyes focused on my tennis shoes, kicking the damp sand around and biting my bottom lip to keep it from quivering, wishing I had the nerve to tell them to fuck off. I recall vowing that someday I'd be better than them. Maybe not skinnier or prettier, but I would be better than them.

I wish I had known then that I already was better than them. In other, more important ways.

*

I shake my own memories out of my head and I go to the bathroom to cry. The tears are now spilling over the brim of my lower eyelid involuntarily and I don't want him to see it. My heart is broken for him. But also? I don't know how to fix it. And isn't that my job? To make it all better? To not let bad things happen to my babies? And I don't know how. I don't know that I can.

I remember what my mom said. Someday you're going to want to kill another kid over what they do to yours. And I hate that she's right.

Comments

[Sara]

That made me want to cry, too. My niece is also in first grade, and some girl in her class was making fun of her clothes, and I wanted to go beat up that mean little girl. It broke my heart. Why are kids so mean?

[Jo]

So crying right now. I remember. I also worry so much about my own babies. *hugs*

I'm with ya mama.

[shriek house]

Oh honey. Going through very similar stuff with our 7 yr old. It really is a physical pain, this feeling of helplessness as our child suffers. No advice, just lots of love, for you both.

[Heather]

I am there also. With both of my older kids. And then I go volunteer in their classrooms and see the kids that are mean and I want to shake those kids and tell them they are making a HUGE mistake being mean to my child and just because you feel bad about yourself don't take it out on others. And yet, they are 5/6 and 7/8. But oh God how it hurts to see our kids hurt.

[lonek8]

My heart breaks for your son, and any other child out there unfairly singled out. I lie awake at night fearing for when this happens to my own children. For when they are hurt or disappointed and I can do nothing to fix it. There is nothing harder to face as a parent than the battles we cannot fight for them. Love and hugs to you and your son, bitter wishes of soul crushing to the nasty kids at your son's school.

[Melissa Wardy]

Wwwwhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh! Now I'm crying WITH you! And I don't even know E-man. But I do remember the sting and emptiness of what it feels like to have kids "be mean" to me.

Your son sounds bright and sweet and inquisitive and kind. How much trouble will he get in if he tells Drew and Stewart to fuck off?

[avasmommy]

**lets out long breath of air**

yeah. I was the fat kid sitting alone, too. So I'm swimming in memories like the one you described. I do know that had my parents made me feel like I was worth something, I'd probably had an easier time leaving that behind.

It's hard, because you want to fix it. But you can't fix it all. And you shouldn't. No, at 7, he shouldn't be dealing with this crap. But he is. And you'll have to let him fight his own battle here. You and his dad keep reminding him everyday how much he's worth and how awesome he is. That's about the best you can do.

My first wanting to kill another kid moment came just a week ago. My baby girl is not quite 2. Thank god she had no clue what that other girl said about her. It has to be much harder when they understand they're being snubbed.

**Hugs**

[Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy]

Oh man. I'm so sorry. My DS is really sensitive. He's quick to cry at times and his feelings get hurt so easily. I tell him all the time he's my baby but worry that I'm actually treating him like one. I never liked the suck it up, take it like a man attitude but I have no idea how to help him get a thicker skin. No advice but I feel you, girl.

[Christina]

I feel your pain! Recently (twice) my son has encountered problems with a kid at school. It was really just seven year old boys being seven year old boys, but nevertheless it was extremely difficult to step back and let the situation play out when all I wanted to do was protect my son's feelings. I'm sure your encouragement and reassurance will carry your baby through this. We have to remind ourselves that unfortunately, this is probably small potatoes compared to what the future holds for us protective mommies.

[Jojo]

Tears for you! This is the time when first graders are becoming comfortable withbsocial groups and begining to take control. Please talk to his teacher and if she's worth her salt she'll address the problem as a class. First grade should be taught to treat classmates like a family and leave no one out. Good luck and I hope it all works out x

[Miss]

This makes me hurt FOR you. Having met him, I know how smart and kind he is. He's such a good big brother and him and Mike played together so well... I just can't imagine anyone treating him like this. It's so unfair. I don't know what kind of advice to give you because I don't know what I'd do in your position.

Best advice is, see how tomorrow goes. Everything might be back to normal. As cruel as they are, kids are so indecisive. I dont know... Sigh.

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this today. I wish we'd never have to have these moments, especially those when our moms are right. ;)

[Miss]

Oh and a million hugs for you tonight mom. You're playing your hardest role right now.

And I'm serious, if you don't want me pushing that kid around, I'll send Mike up there. You've seen how big he is. Heh.

[Maddie Marie]

oh my god. i totally teared up when i read this. how terrible that kids are like this. how terrible that people are like this at times. when i was younger i was an outcast in school, but i had one really wonderful friend who stuck by my side and still to this day she is one of my best friends. i hope for your sons sake and yours that he finds a friend like i had. no one should ever be treated like that. my heart is breaking for him. i really hope it works out for him in the end. the best part about those popular girls in high school though...the popular group that i wasn't a part of? they were the group that got knocked up in high school too. nature has a funny way of kicking people's asses.

[Mary Jo]

This could totally be me when I was his age. Kids can be absolutely awful. I'll be hoping things get better for E-man.

HUGS

[Issa]

It kills me that it starts this dam early. Gah, and here I thought it was just the girls that were horrible.

The quirks that make him amazing, those are the things that truly matter. Hopefully soon, he'll find his best buddy and then the rest of it won't seem so hard. Sigh.

Hugs Megan, for you and for E.

[chris]

You may want to find a copy of Please Understand Me by David Kersey. It is about the 16 different personality types. If your son is introverted and smart, he may find himself on the outside of his peers. It doesn't make what the other kids do, right, but understanding how we interact because of our personalities may help. Introverts like and need alone time, for example. He may not have been tickled by the idea of not being on a friendship list, but he may have fine spending lunch alone.

[Jenni/mom2nji]

My heart is breaking. My middle son is the same way, he isn't very quick to make friends and is shy. I don't understand why kids are so mean. All you can do is fill him with as much love and confidence as you can at home (which I know you do). Hearing this makes me want to start homeschooling, also makes me grateful that we don't have recess and have assigned lunch seats at his school.

[UD]

Chris: Interesting you say that because this whole situation isn't bothering him nearly as much as it's bothering us. He's a little brain, gears constantly turning. He would choose to work alone than in a group given the choice. I just feel badly that he's tried to make friends (a big step for him) and this was the result.

[Karen (SubMommy)]

Oh, Megan. I so understand. So So So understand.

I mean, like, the girl who sticks her foot out so that my girl will trip and fall.

I get it.

I started by going to the teacher. And trust me, keeping it together in front of the teacher was impossible. IMPOSSIBLE. You're going to cry in front of the teacher, trust me. See if Candy Ass will come with you to the conference, because SubHub couldn't and so I had to fly solo.

That was last year. This year, it's still happening, but the teacher is more proactively working with the parents of the other child. And trust me - something negative is happening in that kids' home.

(((HUGS))). I wrote about it here: http://submommy.blogspot.com/2010/02/bully.html

If you're interested. Parenting feels like a rickety bridge.

And yes, I was excluded, "Mean Girl-ed" and everything, too. It hurts. Bad.

[Andrew Lightheart @alightheart]

Crap.

I remember - I was the nerdy, effeminate kid, who waited for recess to end, walking around the lines of the tennis court.

I know it doesn't help to say that I turned out alright, so I won't.

I'm not a parent, so I don't know what to say, but sending, you know, supportive vibes.

To all of you.

[Lex (@laprimera)]

Awww, Megan. That sucks so hard. Hugs to you and to E.

[Nanette]

I'm sorry, mama. I'm not looking forward to that part of growing up - having to deal with all that "friendship" carp. I can imagine that you want to take away his pain...and kick that other kid in the nuts.

*sigh*

[pgoodness]

Oof. I find myself keeping an eye and ear on all of the kids in my son's class when I drop off and pick up...I know it's going to happen - kids are mean and my son is gentle and sweet and emotional. I hate that your mom was right. For all of us. xo

[Cass]

That is AWFUL.

And I'm reminded that I never ever ever told my parents about all the kids who made fun of me in school. It sounds silly in retrospect, but I got really thick glasses in 1st grade and I hated them and everyone I mean everyone in my class made fun of me and nobody would be my friend. I was too ashamed to tell my parents.

Sometimes the other kids really suck. I'm sorry. ((hugs))

[Miss Grace]

This brought me to tears. Kids are the cruelest people of all.

[mrs.notouching]

school is the only time in life we want to be like everybody else.... and then we spend the rest of our lives trying to stand out, be different... you are raising an amazing kid, of that I am sure.

[Mama Bub]

I watched my son try to play with a group of boys at the park. "NO BABIES!" They shouted at him, poked him away with their shovels and closed him out of their circle. He just smiled back at them, completely unaware that this wasn't a game. He's only TWO. My heart broke right then and there. The parents? Did nothing. They're mean kids too. It isn't fair. And, I'm sorry.

[OHmommy]

Bigger kids - bigger problems. I have been saying that to myself a lot these last couple of days. My eldest is in 1st grade too.

Our problem? THE bus.

Hugs. It sucks, no?

[jill]

I too have a 1st grader... and judging from the above comments, it must be the age.

But me? I actually went in and talked to the teacher about 6 weeks ago regarding issues my daughter was having with the kids in her class - 1 in particular who was really being mean.

So glad I did... it opened the dialogue between my daughter and the other girl when the teacher brought them together. Now they actually play together and I hear they're even becoming friends.

Yikes... to be 7 again.

[krysta]

my son was bullied for years... because he was a little different... in his own little world. i can't say anything to make your heart feel better because it's broken in pieces when this shit happens but i can tell you, you aren't alone.

[Kel - rewritingkel]

I have dealt with something like this a few times with Robert and once with Alex. Kids are mean, no matter how much you don't want them to be they are. I am sorry he is going through this. This made my eyes tear up both in pain and in anger.

I wish I knew what to say but I don't. Just offer hugs and an ear to listen. I hope it gets better.

[anymommy]

This breaks my heart. I know we can't protect them from everything, but ugh, I feel like we should be able to make recess fun and safe for all kids.

[Peaches]

My oldest child is quite socially awkward. It's always so painful when she has trouble with friends at school. At least twice I have had to FORCE myself not to call kids parents and tell them what little brats they're raising.

I'm not sure it ever gets easier...and it's just begun.

[Avitable]

And that's how and when I learned to use biting sarcasm.

[Ginny]

I'm so sorry for your little boy and for you! I was bullied terribly at the age of 10 when we moved from Maryland to Louisiana. I had tons of friends until that point, then suddenly found myself with divorced parents and being raised by an abusive parent. I needed some friends more than ever but those kids were rabid at the idea of getting to mistreat the new kid. However, my mother told me it was probably my fault that they didn't like me. I wish she had felt badly enough about it to fight tears and want to stick up for me. I hope you can talk to him about it so that he knows how much you love him and hurt for him. My little niece had some trouble back in 1st grade and it has resolved itself now that she's joined some extracurricular things like art class and Girl Scouts. I hope things start looking up for your boy soon.

[The Mother]

Here's the flip side--your son will grow up more self-reliant, a better critical thinker, and a more successful person overall.

So getting dissed on the playground isn't such a bad thing.

There's nothing wrong with being a geek. It's almost a badge of honor these days, as the geeks get all the high-paying jobs and most of the girls.

[Sharon]

Good morning. I just found your site about and hour ago and have been pouring over it. I LOVE it - you have a new folloer. Anyway, I just read your post about your son and kids rejecting him and I cried. Starting in Kindergarden my daughter was constantly harassed, pick on, left out of, physically harmed, etc. When she got to grades about 4th of 5th she would cry every night and every moring pleading with me not to make her go. I did everthing I could think of . I talked to her teachers, the administration (who by the way tried to put the blame on this small, shy, terrifed little girl. I started voulentering (OK MY SPELLING IS HORRIABLE)at your school a couple days a week while working a 60 hour week week. I couldn't believe it - those kids would walk by me knowing I was in hearing distance and say stuff like "a/s mom is a crack head". Nothing was ever done to deal with these issues. I would spend hours sitting in the office waiting to speak to the principle because she was in meeting at the moment. Me - that's ok I'll wait. Then off to Jr High got through grades 7 & 8 - more, now different problems. I transfered her to a school in the district (we were living in St. Paul MN then) that had low studesnt class sizes, was grades K-12. Well, 2 months into that I get a call from my daughter at work and shes hiding in an emoty room to scared to go out crying awefully and begged for me to come and get her. I told her to RUN to the office and explain what was going on (oh yeah - there was a apck of about 8 girls roaming the halls trying to find her a beat her up. By the time I got to the school I was steaming. I went in and had my say and told them that she sould not be at school tomarrow or any other day. I had to end up home schooling her her I was that scared about her safty. So, yeah I understand your feelings. When I was going through there were many days I felt insanley crazy. They were hurting my baby and I wanted so bad to take the pain from here but I couldn't and the GUILT was enourmous. It still affects her today and she is 26, married with 2 girls. What can I say to you - try to keep checking in with your son about without sounding like your drilling him and do what you have to do. You hear so much now about kids who are being bulolied and end upcommiting suicide and many of the parents were not even aware of it. Well, I think I just wrote a post but I love you site and will be back often.

[Amber]

Tears are streaming down my face right now! My son is only 2, but I see kids at his daycare pick on him and I get so frustrated. He, of course, doesn't know any better, but it breaks my heart! I know this doesn't come close to what you and your little guy are going through! Kids (and people) are so cruel.

[Becky @TheRealBecks]

Oh man I hurt for you too. For your son. And sadly, I'm not sure if there is anything we CAN do about kids like that. I try so hard to instill in Hannah that she needs to be nice to all kids and not leave anyone out. I would hate for her to be THAT kid that hurt your son. I'm so sorry.

[maria]

God. :(

[Mr Lady]

No, it isn't your job to fix it. What you CAN do is teach your kid how to handle it. You help him find the nerve to tell those kids to fuck off. Yes, just like that.

I think the key is teaching them how to maintain their power. Occasionally, a good f-bomb goes miles. I never said I was the world's best mother. :)

[jenn]

God I'm crying for both of you. my oldest boys are 11 and 8 (youngest 7 months so i get to start this shit over) We have had our fair share of mean kids, of "so and so wont play with me" I have learned that there isn't much we can do about it..give a hug, distract his mind but also teach him to never be that way. my sons thankfully have a lot of friends but I think its because they dont fall into groups, separate themselves from others..they have learned that its ok to be friends with all types of people. it only gets worse, you know teens are mean! also, the girlfriends, my oldest has had a few "girlfriends" they have broken up and remained friends. last week his current girlfriend broke up with him and my heart broke- i was reading his facebook messages (he knows i do) and i was crying, bawling..he was asking this girl why and proclaiming how much he really liked her. he cried, my heart fell into a million pieces. All i could do was hug him and tell him there are many years to come with more girlfriends, that this too shall pass. its hard being a parent and watching your child hurt!

[toastgal]

Having a 24 year old son, we had to go through this when he was in 1st grade when a 5th grader threaten to push his head down a toilet. I was furious! Not only at that child but more so at his parents. I called the school and asked for their phone number which the school would not give so the school office set up a meeting with the mom of this boy the next day and I was still fuming! I arrived at the appointment first and conveyed my displeasure how something like this could happen. After seeing how angry I was, they/the school office decided Not to let me speak with the boy's mother in the same room....which made me even more furious! But when she finally arrived I did manage to tell her off royally and told her if her son threatened mine again that her ass was mine no matter what, no matter who was around, no matter if I went to jail for it, she was going to make sure her son behaved OR she was going to have a new one! Yes, I said that to her in front of the everyone in the school office. Needless to say no one in the school ever bothered my son again. Hey a moms gotta do what a moms gotta do!

[PB and Jazz]

I have 3 kids. 2 boys. One of my sons is a senior in high school. He experienced some of the same things your son is going through. You are doing a great job of letting him know he is loved, he is valued and anyone would be lucky to be his friend. I want to share with you a few observations I have of my boys and other boys as they grew. First, B my senior, was bullied 3 times over the coarse of his education. Twice it was physical. We had to call in the principal in two separate occasions. If you can get help, it is good, we were lucky that we got some help. We had to push hard, I know you will too. We did help equip B the best we could with skills to counteract bulling and gave him a sense of self worth. We did end up switching schools for him. He is at a Math and Science school that focuses on academics and music. This was a great fit for him. It is a charter so it doesn't cost us anything, if funds are an issue, there are alternatives. Next, I thought I would let you know that both of my boys went through phases when they said no one liked them and they didn't have any friends. Third grade and sixth grade were both very hard years for my boys. I think it is something hormonal or something with them where they are figuring things out. My B, still doesn't have a ton of friends, he never will. It isn't his personality but he does have a few really good friends and is happy and healthy. Your guy will be too because he has great parents who love him and support him. Good luck to you.

[Ewokmama]

Yeah, that SUCKS. I had one best friend in elementary school and when she moved, I was always the third wheel or just playing by myself - for the rest of my school career. Honestly, I still mostly feel like I'm on my own most of the time. You know what, though? If there is one thing you can take from this, it's that your son isn't going to just do anything to fit into a crowd, ya know? He is going to be more of a leader. That is a *really* good thing.

[Colleen]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh can I relate to this. Alexandra is 2.5, her bully Nicholas is almost 5. They go to the same daycare. He is continually whispering to her that she is a bad girl. To the point that she comes in tears and saying she is "sowwy for being bad girl mommy". After having a good cry I was seething!! I addressed it with the teacher and it continued. Finally, I addressed it directly with the little 5 year old bully and told him quite clearly it better stop, NOW! He cried, hides when I come to the door, but hasn't said it since. His mother wasn't impressed with me but, meh, whatcha gonna do.

[NaturalAsPossibleMom (AKA Karen Bannan)]

Been there, done that with my kid and in my own childhood. I've got a smart first grader, too. She goes to private school where being smart is cool, but there's a nasty little evil wench that tells her she's not allowed to be friends with certain people. I've taken her off the bus crying. I've wanted to scratch that other mean child's eyes out. I just realized (after talking to a therapist) that we have to let them get hurt. They need to get hurt to learn how to get happy. Try and hang in there. This will pass. Look at me. I was a lonely, shy, picked-on kid and today I am anything but.

Sucks to go through it, though, doesn't it? (I've blogged about it, too: Butt Out, This Means Me.)Just try and support your son and remind him that some of the "mean" kids end up very unhappy adults.

[digitalpagan]

Off the friendship list... My outrage was off and running before I finished the post. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes thinking about how it will feel should my son get treated the same way. I should also say that woe be his little arse the day I receive a phone call from another parent or the school saying HE is a bully. I will not tolerate it.

[Jess]

I am in shambles. I can't even begin to think about the day I want to rip a little bastards insides out for being mean to my Nugget...and he's only TWO! I know the day will come and I secretly wish it won't happen until high school, when he's taller than his teachers and scrappy like his mama. But first grade?! Good shit the world is fucked up.

[Cathy B]

Simply tell your son that those other little boys are all losers and he is so superior to them that they are out of his league. Just kidding, even though this is probably true it will not help. My 10 year old was just like this and trust me, you are taking it harder than your son. This is the age where kids are just figuring out friendship (friendship list, indeed) and they are testing. We had 2 boys who invited my son out to play daily just to make him cry. This is your son's chance to take up a friendship with someone else that may be just as sweet. Try not to be mean to the little children no matter how bratty they are. Sometimes they have very nice moms. And also your son will be friends with them again next week.

[Andrea's Sweet Life]

Email his teacher. Or the administrator, or both if you think the teacher won't handle it right. And if you think they'd do anything about it, also email the kid's parents. They need to have a talk with their son.

This is something that needs to be nipped in the bud NOW.

Kids can be so stupid and cruel and mean. I volunteer a lot at Alison's school and I right up in those kids' faces when they are rude to each other. They need to be taught to express compassion and empathy, or at least how to bite their fucking tongues.

My girls are "different". I know that these kinds of days are coming, and I have no idea how I will refrain from kicking some kid's ass.

[Tanis Miller, RNM]

Ouch. My heart hurts for you. This is a tough situation, one I'm not familiar with since Fric and Frac are obnoxiously social.

I just wanted to let you know I've got you covered if you need bail money for kicking some kid's arse. Cuz if it were me, I know I'd totally want to...

[VDog]

Crying over here. So sorry hon.

XOXO

[statia]

My son is somewhat socially awkward. Now, he's only three, so this may change, but he is his dad through and through, and he's very shy and awkward around kids, even kids he knows, because he just isn't sure how to talk to them. And as of late, I've watched him, watching the other kids in the neighborhood, curiously. You can tell he so badly wants to go over to them, but he's scared. And I hope that as he gets older, that he doesn't go through the hell that I went through as a child who was constantly teased.

I hate that kids are so mean. And I'm sorry that your son is on the other side of that meanness.

[Tomi M]

I soo get this.. my daughter is 11 and girls can be just mean.. boys might have times of it but girls.... yikes! My daughter came home last year and told me she was someones BFFBF.. I was like huh? Best friend forever back-up friend.. you know the ones you hang with when you are mad at your regular friends.. I was appalled!

[Misa]

And it doesn't get any easier when they get older. Wait until there's a break up between your son and his girl friend. Oh man...

[Donna in VA]

Oh my gosh! I'm crying too because I SO know what you're talking about!! And what's even more sad. . . it never ends. . . that urge to protect your babies. Even when they're all grown up. (I took on a Judge! And WON! DO NOT MESS WITH MY BABIES!)

I used to be a shy, quiet little doormat of a person until I had children and the first person messed with them. This Mama Bear came growling out of me with such ferosity that I didn't know what was happening. Eventually I started realizing what the deal was. . . the overwhelming NEED to protect your babies. . . how when THEY hurt, YOU hurt. It's just the way it is. It doesn't make it any easier knowing that, but it's sure made me stronger.

Bless your heart!! You're a good mama!!

[SuperMommie]

I'll go beat them up for you! No one will ever know. (sigh) I hate when stuff like this happens. You do want to cry. My mom told me it never stops. She said she even holds back tears when things happen to her grown children. It's ok mommie. It will get better - or we'll go rollin!

[Kekibird]

Bullying is one of the toughest things for a parent to deal with, especially if that parent has been bullied as a child. I know I was bullied and when it comes to my kid, I'm proud of the fact that he has his father's personality. Hang tight.

[Bean Counter]

I could have written this post. We had the same problem with our 1st grader just last week. No one wanted to play with him and the kids who started it made sure none of the other kids would play with him. He is quiet and sensative and would rather play by himself, but the hurt is still there. I cried when he told me what had happened, as like you I had no answer. No kid should come home from school crying because of a couple of jerk kids, who probably have their own problems and this is their way of dealing with it. Why are kids so mean? It makes me sad for our kids.

[Mary @ Holy Mackerel]

Oh god. I have been there too many times, and every time, it hurts just as much. I'm so sorry your little guy has to go through this. It sucks. Kids can be so incredibly mean, and the hardest part as a parent is not really being able to take away their hurt. My heart hurts for your baby.

[tracie]

I am crying as I read this. Kids are horrible. When my daughter was in 5th grade she handed out valentines and a girl made everyone give them back to my daughter. My daughter is 21 now. I still cry when I think about that incident.

[Erin Jones]

This kills me, being preggers with my first. My mom always told me that the first five years with a kid are amazing, because they truly believe that everyone around them loves them. And then it is all shattered when they go to school and some little punk ruins it all. I hate that my mom was right too, and it scares the hell out of me.

[thepsychobabble]

It sucks to watch them deal with the same things we did. You want to protect them from that heartache, and feel so damn helpless when it comes to it.

[Gucci Shoes]

Nice post. I really liked it.. Don't forget to update it regularly. I am looking for new updates dying to read more stuff from you.

[Gucci handbags]

The fact that your blog entry here just uncovered some of the coolest new knowledge and online social trends in one go. How frickin' cool is that!

[coach suitcase]

There is not much to choose between men. They are all a hotchpotch of greatness and littleness, of virtue and vice, of nobility and baseness. Did you agree with me?

[NFL Jerseys]

for some reason the gucci loafers strike me as kind of an outsider in that group

[WHOLESALE NFL JERSEYS]

The fact that your blog entry here just uncovered some of the coolest new knowledge and online social trends in one go. How frickin' cool is that!

[Nike Shox TL3]

I know so many people who have just had a new addition to their

lives or are still counting down the last few days. There is

nothing better to warm the heart on such a frigid January. I am

so excited for everyone.

[Replica jerseys]

My first wanting to kill another kid moment came just a week ago. My baby girl is not quite 2. Thank god she had no clue what that other girl said about her.

[Nike Shox Turmoil]

I will share my experience. Two years ago I had to go to the Employee Assistant Program, since I had a really hard situation in my home. They treated me great and offered me a lot of psychological help. Thank you!

[Gucci shoes]

The information you provide must for some people is very important, I am also very interested in this content, thank you! I've always been concerned about your article, the content of this course, I may have different views, but the information you provide is very helpful for me, I always support you, yes, I have been doing.

[Steelers jerseys]

Nice to see an honest attempt at presenting some well researched information.

[authenticjerseys]

thank you for sharing!
i learn a lot information from this article!it open my eyes!