Neighborhood Bully

So, there's this teenage boy 14 years of age who lives on my block. For some strange reason he likes playing with younger children (between the ages of 5-9), I've also seen him playing with kids his own age as well but he tends to play with younger children more often. I'm not too sure why but he "BULLIES" one of my children. He kicks him, pushes him down, curses at him (The F and C word). Things got so out of hand that I called his mother! Thought it would help the situation, I thought 2 grown adults could have a CIVILIZED conversation but it only made things worse. Lets just say I see where this kid gets his aggression from. Even though this happened months ago the kid is now a PASSIVE BULLY to my son...Evil looks, telling my child to get of "his street". This "BULLY" has had the nerve to "STARE" me down. I've talked to a few neighbors about the situation and all they can say is "THE BULLY" is such a nice boy, him and his family!!!!! WHAT NICE FAMILY, REALLY! The last thing the mother told me was "KEEP YOUR KIDS OF THE BLOCK" really...yes....really

Any parents ever dealt with a "BULLY". I know "BULLY" is a harsh word but I'm not going to sugar coat the situation.

 

Most bullies are cowards. Teach your kid to defend him/herself on a strictly need-to basis. If the bully approaches them again, at least they have the tools with which to defend themselves. I had the same problem when I was little. A boy at my school bullied everyone younger than he, including the girls. I finally got tired of it, after I saw him push my friend down, and kick her. I punched him in the mouth, and proceeded to kick his ass all over the school playground - I was 2 years younger than he, and Im a girl. He never touched another kid after that. Bully = insecurity and when you call them out on it, their power is gone.
Enroll your kid in one of the thousands of martial arts studios around here - teach them that its ok to defend yourself, and others when the situation calls for it.
(edited for poor grammar)

 

You are mostly right Bella but in this case I think the age difference is a bit much.

Unfortunately, I do not think the boy will change unless his mother/parents do.

 

Humm, you're not talking about Alex, are you?

 

If he touches your kid again call the Sherrif's department...that's why we have JDC

 

If you were talking about two adults the situation would not be tolerated. It's sad that this behavior is often excused because the person is a minor. You attempted to go the sane way and talk to the parents. Next step involves the school and the police. If no resolution, take it to the next level. Document everything.

 

Agreed. You're not sugarcoating the situation, InTheBlue; this boy is indeed bullying your child and you've taken the appropriate steps by attempting to speak to the child's parents. Retaliation is never the solution, even more so because the offender is so much older and the offenses occur off school property (though your son's guidance counselor can help him with anxiety), so you must contact the police. Document everything that's happened - dates, times, injuries - to the best of your knowledge. It's important to have a record. You are the best, and sometimes only, advocate for your child and you may find you must escalate your reporting until someone takes action. Be persistent. The repercussions of bullying on your child last far longer than the incidents he's suffering through now (self esteem issues, persistent anxiety, behavioral issues). You are his voice. Good luck!