Dawson was just plain angry at the beginning of the weekend. He was really hard to get along with. After much poking and prodding, I got him to open up to me about why he was so out of sorts.
Apparently a rumor had been started that a boy, notorious for fighting and currently in in-school suspension because of it, was mad at Dawson and was going to "hurt him."
Dawson was reacting out of fear and stress.
This boy is the same boy that bullied him all the way through 6th grade. Dawson doesn't even know his last name.
I offered to call the school to notify them of this boy's threats, but Dawson told me he did not want me to get involved. So, after much consideration and prayer, I decided to honor his wishes. I want him to always feel that he can open up to me and talk to me. If I betray him, he may not do that anymore.
Rick and I have discussed it and have decided that should anything happen, we will go ahead and take him out of school this year. I have told Dawson that we will support him no matter what happens. And, although I do not want him picking any fights or talking any trash to cause one, I fully support him should he have to defend himself.
I did tell him that if he did not want me to get involved, that he would have to handle this situation himself. And, that he would not be able to allow the fear and stress to affect him so much that his behavior was affected. If he wants to handle it himself, he has to handle himself accordingly.
I could take him out of school now, anyway. But, there's something to be said for conflict resolution.
Right now I am just praying that he remains safe.
No wonder he has trouble concentrating on his school work.
Apparently a rumor had been started that a boy, notorious for fighting and currently in in-school suspension because of it, was mad at Dawson and was going to "hurt him."
Dawson was reacting out of fear and stress.
This boy is the same boy that bullied him all the way through 6th grade. Dawson doesn't even know his last name.
I offered to call the school to notify them of this boy's threats, but Dawson told me he did not want me to get involved. So, after much consideration and prayer, I decided to honor his wishes. I want him to always feel that he can open up to me and talk to me. If I betray him, he may not do that anymore.
Rick and I have discussed it and have decided that should anything happen, we will go ahead and take him out of school this year. I have told Dawson that we will support him no matter what happens. And, although I do not want him picking any fights or talking any trash to cause one, I fully support him should he have to defend himself.
I did tell him that if he did not want me to get involved, that he would have to handle this situation himself. And, that he would not be able to allow the fear and stress to affect him so much that his behavior was affected. If he wants to handle it himself, he has to handle himself accordingly.
I could take him out of school now, anyway. But, there's something to be said for conflict resolution.
Right now I am just praying that he remains safe.
No wonder he has trouble concentrating on his school work.
Geez...can Dawson not get a break?! Bullying and threats are never easy on any kid. I hope Dawson remains safe at school.
ReplyDelete~Elyse
Kids can be so mean! Kate's had such a rough time this year with bully's. It breaks my heart.
ReplyDeleteI hate that for him and for you. I'll be praying that nothing comes of it. I'm sure you both are just counting down the days to the end of the semester.
ReplyDelete