Reply to DS is being bullied for doing ballet

Forum Index » Elementary School-Aged Kids

Reply to "DS is being bullied for doing ballet"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here.  Thanks so much for all these suggestions and comments.  It's both grandparents and brother and sister-in-law on DH's side.  We were living in Seattle a year and a half ago when we moved to the area for work, which seemed great at the time to be near his family and DS can finally have a cousin close in age to play with.

I did not realize how sexist and homophobic DH's family was until this move and their interactions with my son.. they're politically liberal.. Big difference I've learned.

I think the underlying worry is that DS is gay or as [b]they have accused me of trying to "make him gay."[/b]  Both DH and I have spoke to them about this but I have a feeling we're just looked at as the strange west-coasters.  Obviously DH and I would not mind one bit if our son discovered he was gay.  Regardless, gay or not, I'm not comfortable with DS being exposed to them and their bigotry, but he loves playing with his cousin and he loves his grandparents.

I think less interaction is the key here, although I'll admit I was hoping someone would have a magical solution for me, but ultimately I think they are who they are.  All the arguments above I've made.

Thank you all.  [/quote]

Yeah, I think you limit interaction, and if they say something stupid in your presence, you come down like a ton of bricks.  Also, be clear and call out the underlying assumption: "I'm not trying to 'make him gay.'  I don't think that you can make someone gay if they aren't.  But I don't care if he's gay or not.  Do you?  If he were gay, would you love him less?"  And they are NOT liberal, if they think that making derogatory sexist and homophobic remarks to a little kid is okay.  And be clear with your son: "Grandma and Grandpa are wrong about your ballet.  You know and I know and your ballet class knows that ballet is for everyone.  You know and I know that there's nothing wrong with being gay.  You know and I know that it's wrong to make fun of people like they do.  You can stand up for yourself against them and you will have my full support."  [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics