Our daughter is in the first grade. Didn't think I'd have to worry about bullying this early. Yet she comes home with her hair messed up because kids are pulling it and throwing wood chips at her. She's been spat on. Her clothes have been ripped. She just turned six this November.I ask her teacher, the principal, "Where were you? Why don't you know what's going on with my daughter?" I don't feel like she's safe. I can't do anything for her at school. Apparently, she's on her own there.
I walk her to the bus stop every morning. I don't just watch while she gets on the bus; I stand in line behind her so that no one will shove her. I walk her right up to the step. I watch her get on and as she walks down the aisle, I'm walking right beside her outside until she sits down. If no one lets her sit down (which happens pretty often), I get on the bus and make someone slide over. The way it makes me feel -- it's like I'm the one getting treated like this. When that bus pulls away, I have no more control. I depend on the teachers and staff to keep her safe. I don't think they do a very good job.
I question her teacher. First of all, it took three different notes to even get a response. There's communication for you. Then she writes that my daughter didn't tell her anything. Why didn't you notice anything wrong? Why are you depending on a six year old to come to you and tell you that you've failed at your job? But I guess this teacher was satisfied with the little bit that she's doing. I don't know how to fight against indifference.
The principal calls a few days later. I get lip service about what she's doing, but I don't feel like any real action will be taken. Then, I get a spiel about volunteering at the school. Yeah, I actually would do that if I didn't have to walk so far. However, why is she putting the responsibility of supervising students at school back on the parents?
How do you deal with bullying as a parent? Are your kids bullied? Is your kid a bully? Have you spoke with your child about bullying?
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