Jacob has informed us that he is being bothered by another boy on the bus. This boy and Jacob share a mutual friend but this boy is apparantly unkind to Jacob. If this boy sits with Jacob's friend before he gets to, Jacob likes to sit close enough so that he can still chat with his friend. Well, this boy doesn't like that and therefore calls Jacob names, says bad words and even swears at Jacob.
Naturally, when your child experiences stuff like this it upsets you. Before we decided to take action and inform the school of verbal bullying, we talked about it over breakfast this morning (the whole family was in attendance). Steve and I asked Jacob to tell us exactly what he said (understanding that words such as 'shut-up', 'stupid' and 'idiot' etc are all bad words in our house).
"he doesn't just say bad words daddy, he swears at me" Jacob said. "what's a swear" we respond. Jacob looked at us knowing he wasn't allowed to say it. "it's okay this time in this situation to say it Jacob, so we know" Steve continued to coax. Now, feeling free as a bird, Jacob blurted out, "F**K" and "BULLS**T"
Silence. Old jaws dropping, young ears perking. For some reason I was not expecting that. We are talking grades 2 & 3!!!
Oh, boy I am so not ready for this...somebody stop the clock!
Thursday, June 09, 2005
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4 comments:
I recall coming home from school (grade 1) and saying "phoque" (sounds exactly like f**k) to my mom. She wasn't impressed, until I told her it was French for "seal".
On the other hand...
Not sure I ever told my parents (or if they were informed) but I can remember getting in trouble (kindergarten) for saying f**k. I'm not proud.
Just saying...you shouldn't be shocked that kids are using those words at that age.
Not shocked-but very sad. Innocence disappears when kids go to school. Also very proud that Jacob recognizes these words as wrong. That says a lot for him and you!
Sounds like you guys handle it well - how is the situation now?
Situation has been worked out. Steve went to the principals' office that morning, knowing he does not tolerate crapola on the bus. The first thing he asked Steve was if there was swearing involved.
Then, Pirncipal called all 3 boys to the office and dealt with it. Jacob came home crying at the end of the day because friend and other boy were mad.
BUT thankfully (after Steve spoke to the boys too)all is well now or so it seems so far. Friend is Jacobs friend again and other boy was actually nice to him on Friday.
Thanks for asking.
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