Name Calling - Milford,CT

Hi R.,

I know how you feel. Sometimes when kids are hurtful to our kid, it is worse on us than it is on them. I'm wondering if the boy called your daughter a "kid" negative name or an "adult" negative name.

If it was a kid insult, then I think you handled it very well, letting the child know on the spot that he did something that was unacceptable. If he called her by a more adult insult, your speaking to him was still appropriate, but I think you should also take it up with the teacher immediately, and let them know you expect them to handle it with the child's parents.

Kids at that age will assert their dominance in their own way. "po-po head" is a four-year old favorite and needs to be reacted to in that light. Kids need to learn to stand up for themselves and thicken their skin a little at a time. But insulting another child's body shape, physical imperfections, skin color or religion is far more serious. It comes from bigotry at home, and the school has a responsibility to set limits early.

hi i am L., ihave a daughter name miya also i know spell with an i.do not worry i feel the same way with my kids. just make sure and always ask your chidren questions about school and how was their day. sometimes thry might just say oh it was good. but i change it around and say things like, iknow you read stories today or you played with mike today and slowly you will get responses from them and know what goes on in school. ialso tell my kids when it comes to name calling to ignore it just look and laugh and say have a great day too.but always build confidence in your kids so stupid name calling will not bother them.
be strong for them,
L.

R.,

You did a good thing addressing it but I think it's even more impressive that your daughter didn't react. As difficult as it is for both child and parent, we all need to learn that not everyone will like us and that some people will be just plain rude about it. It's a lesson in strength and self worth- an attitude that ignores people like that is awesome. It takes away their power and helps her to thrive beyond the "requirements" of others! Way to go Maya!

Hi
I can imagine how upsetting you were but I guess the first step would be to speak to the child who was doing the name calling which I think you did, then I would speak to that childs mother and also to the teacher. I feel that they need to be aware specially if hes in the same class as your daughter so that he stops. I have not yet being confronted with a situation like this
but I know the feeling since my child is speech delayed and cannot defend himself yet. We are their voice until they learn how to deal with issues in school.
hope this helps
good luck god bless
G.
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