Bullying
One of our fears finally came true, bullying. We knew this day was coming; but I still wasn’t ready. I thought the kids would be a bit older before we dealt with this stuff. Well, it started happening to Payton. She came home complaining about boys being mean while she was swinging at recess. As usual, it was hard to get an accurate picture of what was happening. When we hit her with too many questions, she gets frustrated and a little confused. This was clearly an issue though, as she doesn’t ever complain about other kids. Eventually I got the broad picture, then reached out to her general education teacher. He answered my email; but then also gave me a ring after school that night. That was really reassuring to hear it through is voice that he was on it. Also, the added phone call helped me to realize it was being taken seriously. I knew it would be; but it was a nice touch all the same.
For the next couple weeks, the problem seemed to have stopped. Then in one week her teacher reached out twice regarding the bullying. One of the instances was in the classroom; and Payton told her special education teacher. The next instance was in the hall way where a couple boys would sneak up on Payton and attempt to scare her. This was viewed by her classroom teacher who relayed the event to us. He said Payton yelled, “Stop that!” several times at the boys. Good! Glad to hear P was sticking up for herself. The teacher went on to tell us there would be consequences for the boys. That was plenty good enough for us. So thankful for the amazing team she’s surrounded by at school.
After speaking with her teach about the incident in the hallway, I called a friend whose daughter is good friends with Payton. I wanted to know if she had heard anything about the boys picking on Payton, and if she might know who they are. We were a little confused at first as Payton gave us the wrong name for one of the boys; but we figured out who she meant. She offered to tell her daughter about it; so, she could be on the look out at school for us. I must say, I was ecstatic for that offer. I was hoping it was coming; but I’d never put that on a nine-year-old. Her daughter is so good to P and very outgoing. I’d venture to guess nobody will ever bully this little girl as she grows up.
When my friend told her daughter it was priceless. You’d have thought we ordered a hit on these two boys. Her friend was fired up and ready to protect Payton. It was really heartwarming. I was feeling better about Payton having a friend in her corner at school. After the phone call my friend was texting me about what her daughter was saying. She specifically said, “I’m on it.” She also mentioned knowing who the teacher was posted by the swings; so, she was going to let that teacher at recess know about it.
I was feeling great. Payton had a friend looking out for her at school. The next day I got a text from my friend. On their way to school that morning. Payton’s friend said, “You know what I like the most about Payton? She plays with everyone, no matter what.” Yes she does, I thought. Our sweet Payton might have had a hurdle at school; but it got figured out. We also found out she has a really good friend.
