How do I handle this?

[Anonymous]

My son (2nd grader) loves to play soccer outside with his friends. But lately he refuses to go out to play since most of the kids he plays with are bigger than him in age as well as size. Last week, some boy tripped my son while playing soccer and he was hurt from tripping. One of the big guys (5th grader) kind of still forced him to continue playing and when my son said NO, the big guy told him " You are promoted as the biggest sucker"
My son was heart broken and now refuses to go out to play with them.

My question is:

1) Is this normal for kids to say to younger kids?
2) Is this bullying? If yes, i would restrict him going outside?
3) How should I handle this situation?

[Anonymous]

I tell my kids not to play with kids who are being mean to him, so I think he's handling it perfectly. Can you create other opportunities for him to play soccer with kids more his size?

If he's having fun generally and just occasionally they tease him, I'd encourage him to go play but leave it as his choice.

Yes, kids say mean things all the time. It's normal.

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

One kid called him a sucker one time? No that's not bullying.

But if he doesn't want to play with them he doesn't have to. Set up some play dates with kids his own size who like soccer. At some point he may way to go back out with the big kids and that's okay too.

[Anonymous]

oh good Lord

[Anonymous]

1. Yes
2. No and no
3. Help your son with strategies on what to do or say if it happens again, other things to in the neighborhood, and have him decide if he wants to play with this group. You do both if other than help guide your son

[Anonymous]

^^should be "you do nothing other than support your son"

[Anonymous]

You're so lucky this is all your have to worry about.

[Anonymous]

Normal. I get that it is hard to witness . . . it sucks. But totally normal, especially for older kids to pick on littler ones like that. That really isn't that bad. Use it as a learning opportunity to help him build up some resiliency.