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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Conscious that there are some weirdo’s using these forums to get their kicks, so please be mindful of what you share.

My DS 11 has just started at his new middle school, generally settling in well and has made a few new friends as well as a couple who followed from elementary. He’s a nice kid, generally gets on well with everyone even if not close friends, not one to cause trouble or pick on others etc. He is quite sensitive though, not overly so but also not crazy confident and loud.

He’s confided in me this afternoon that a few of the kids he doesn’t know have been making unkind comments when they’ve been changing for gym class, laughing at him and calling him a baby because he wears briefs not boxers/trunks as the majority of others seem to.

It’s his choice, he has always found them more comfortable since potty training - over the years I’ve bought him different underwear to try a few times (usually because they had a favourite character on and he wanted them!) but he’s never got on well with them, and they always end up shoved to the back of his drawer or worn as PJs. Fair enough, I wouldn’t want to wear something I found uncomfortable either! Glad he knows his mind and despite not being too confident he’s been assertive to make his own choices.

I don’t want him getting ahead of hard time and being bullied about it though, from my distant memories of middle school it can be tough enough without making yourself stand out and giving those who want to bully ammunition. I did ask whether it was just him, but he said there are a couple of other boys who got laughed at too.

Now I’m torn, the confident adult in me wants to tell him to own it, he should do him and let them do them etc. Why should he be uncomfortable just because of what others think, about something which is very much a personal choice and absolutely nothing to do with them? Besides, whilst not being male and having no first hand experience, I’d have thought briefs may be a better option for sports - particularly as the boys get older?

On the other hand, is this a hill to die on? Is it worth putting a target on his back over? Would it be kinder to gently encourage him to consider wearing boxers on the days he’s got to change for gym, even if he doesn’t really like them, just so he’s not singling himself out for ridicule?

Why do some kids have to make mountains out of the strangest molehills? [/quote]

Arnold Schwarzenegger wore briefs in public.

Most kids are stupid. Most kids aren't confident and strong enough to overcome stupid kids. Your kid has to either grow an unusually thick skin, grow unusually large muscles, or conform to fashion, or get out of the environment. [/quote]

Thanks for all those choices!
 :roll: [/quote]

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