Pre-school bullying...does it really start this early?

So I posted the other day about my son getting injured by another kid at preschool/daycare. My son is fairly new there, this is his third full week. I cannot believe what goes on with 4 year olds.

He has told me repeatedly how nobody will play with him. He asks all the time and they tell him no because they say they don't like him. I ask why, but he says he doesn't know. He is SO sad when I pick him up every day and doesn't ever want to go back. I spoke to the teachers about it twice already and they say that it's just that he is new and they don't know him like they know each other. She said they would try to integrate him more but I don't see it happening and every day when I drop him off and pick him up he is playing alone.

Today I heard another kid, right in front of me, say that he did not want to talk to my son because my son is "fresh." My heart is breaking for my son and his self esteem is taking a hit. What can I do? Did this happen to anyone else and does it get better?

Message edited 8/23/2010 8:45:37 PM.

Re: Pre-school bullying...does it really start this early?

What are the teachers doing during all this?! They should be teaching these kids that that is not acceptable behavior!

Re: Pre-school bullying...does it really start this early?

aawww the poor little guy
I agree...the teacher really needs to step in here...new or not its not acceptable and the fact that he is new the teacher should really step up!

Re: Pre-school bullying...does it really start this early?

Re: Pre-school bullying...does it really start this early?

That is so sad, my heart is aching for your little guy
I would talk to the teachers again and if you don't see any improvement maybe it's time to think about a different daycare center? I'm so sorry it must be so painful to see your son so sad.

Re: Pre-school bullying...does it really start this early?

I do see it in DD's class - I saw it when she was in the 3's and alot of the kids had turned 4. DD would tell me this person wouldn't play with her or called her a baby. It really hurt me and I was really upset. I talked to the teachers who did explain that the kids were playign with her - and the baby part was that they were playing house and she took it as playing the baby, being called a baby. But you do need to speak to the teachers again. At this age, the teachers should be encouraging all kids to play together - espif he is new.

I hate this stuff - I'm so sorry your son is upset. I'm sure it will get better over time but it's just really hard, as a parent, to deal with.

Re: Pre-school bullying...does it really start this early?

I agree with the OP that the teachers should DEFINITELY be intervening. I wonder what makes them think this is happening because he is new. The teachers should be addressing this problem, but you said that you don't see this happening. If they are being lax about the situation, I wonder if they are really watching closely enough to know why this is happening. Good luck!

Re: Pre-school bullying...does it really start this early?

I agree about the teachers doing something if they are seeing or hearing any bullying.

I would make such a huge deal about something like this now in his class because as they are still young it's better to nip it in the bud sooner then later and you don't want your DS confidence to weaken.