Absolutely - I think it's great that students see the psychologist as a safe space and a resource.

Anonymous wrote:I got the exact same call 15 years ago. So funny.

Anyway, let him do it once; but honestly, the other kids start to figure this out, and the super savvy girls start to ostracize these kids by 3rd or 4th grade. It is great for the kids who need it, but if yours doesn't, there is no good reason to create the impression among classmates that they do. For my kid it became sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Suddenly, he was being bullied and did need it.

I used to be an ES teacher- our school psychologist didn't do groups like this, but our counselor did and she always, always, always included a wide range of kids in "lunch bunch" groups- kids who needed the support, kids who were selected as role models to keep the convo flowing, kids who just wanted to be a part of it and weren't high or low either way...it just wasn't an issue. And if kids were getting ostracized by others for it...well that's a separate concern and THAT needs to be dealt with. I would never put up with that.

I got the exact same call 15 years ago. So funny.

Anyway, let him do it once; but honestly, the other kids start to figure this out, and the super savvy girls start to ostracize these kids by 3rd or 4th grade. It is great for the kids who need it, but if yours doesn't, there is no good reason to create the impression among classmates that they do. For my kid it became sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Suddenly, he was being bullied and did need it.

Yes! The kids LOVE this!

of course

Yes. I think it is lovely.

He just saw other kids getting to do something, and he is curious and wants to do it. Probably a sign of intelligence and openness and an admirable level of engagement with people.

Yes, of course. What are you worried about?

Have you been in the cafeteria before, OP? It is loud and chaotic. It is a special treat to get a quiet place to eat lunch with friends! It makes the kids feel special. I'd be thrilled my kid was getting extra attention from a trusted adult.

Yes. My kids have done lunch bunches because they did need some social support. I was thrilled to see there isn't a stigma to them and kids want to be in them whether they need support or not. They're fun.

Yes. How cute.

I’d be fine with this. “Worst” case your kid overhears and learns some good lessons about emotions. I imagine something like this could be good for almost any child. There aren’t really downsides. And maybe they can even serve as a good peer model.

Of course. I agree kids see lunch bunches as a treat. There’s no problem with letting him do it. And please don’t tell him it’s just for kids who need help.

What is your concern OP?

Yes.

About my 3rd grade son. She started off by saying it's nothing bad, I run some lunch groups for students who need help with their social or emotional skills and your son asked if he could be in a group with me. He has never been identified as a student who needs support in this area but always asks me in the hall when he can be in a group so I'm happy to have him and a few friends eating lunch with me once a month or so if he wants to. I asked "did he say he is having social problems" and she said "no, he didn't. I think he probably just sees some of his classmates going with this lady at lunch and seeming to enjoy themselves and wants to be part of it too not realizing that I work with these students for a certain reason."

She said that she would have him for lunch if he wants and just take out some board games and let him talk but not plan a lesson or teach anything.

Would you be OK with this?