Reply to relatively average size 3rd grader being mocked for weight

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[quote=Anonymous]DS, 9, is typically 70th percentile for weight and 80th for height at annual checkups.

I learned six months ago that there is a running "joke" in his grade that he is fat. His so-called friends are calling him fat at lunch, saying their grapes are the shape of him, singing mocking songs about him being obsessed with McDonalds (we are not as a family, he maybe goes there 2 or 3 times a year). He is 4'8 and 70 lbs. Most of his friends are four inches shorter and maybe 55 pounds.

At first it was so ridiculous that my husband and I blew it off ... it is really upsetting him. He has changed where he sits at lunch etc.

I feel very helpless. I do not think complaining to the school is the right move, as I think he needs to confront this head on, himself, rather than having a teacher or principal fight this battle for him. My husband suggested I reach out to the friends' moms, who are actually my friends, about it. I also don't think that's the right approach either in having your mom fight on your behalf.

I've honestly suggested he tell something along the lines of "it is probably hard for dwarves to understand why someone four inches taller weighs what they do..." and I'm ashamed to say I've debated asking his older brother to step in on his behalf, as a cooler, older, bigger, stronger kid carries more credibility than a middle-aged mom.

He does not feel comfortable (maybe to his credit?) turning it on them and their height so I'm now telling him to go nowhere near them and to ignore them, stop having anything to do with them, don't react in any way/shape or form. He has been invited to all three kids' birthday parties, and to playdates with them as well but this is clearly not a healthy situation.

Am I handling this correctly?

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