Anonymous wrote:overweight. I suffer from Multiple Sclerosis and now on medication to slow thyroid function I am now about a size 14. I am not sure how I should handle this. She’s asked that her father go instead. She’s cried and stated that they would make fun of me and in turn additionally make fun of her.
How should I address this or do I simply let it go?
It does hurt to hear and in the moment I reassured her it was fine and I would not come into the school as I truly was taken aback by her saying this.
I'm sorry OP- I think kids can feel helpless in these situations. I have a sibling, close in age, with autism and it was a constant source of pain, guilt, and embarrassment at that age. Your DD isn't just worried that they will make fun of her, she is worried they will make fun of you, That's the worst- she'll feel humiliated and angry with you, and guilty that she feels humiliated and angry. That's a lot to process and easy to just avoid by asking you not to go (which I guarantee also makes her feel guilty).
I know people say this, but some therapy could help her sort through the complex emotions. Over time, if handled well, she will develop confidence and maturity...but expecting a MS kid to let bullying roll off or have the gumption to tell mean kids to "eff off" is too much to expect.