Teaching Kids about Bullies

Ds is almost 3 and we attend a Mommy & Me playgroup at the library. There's about 15 kids and one of the boys, who is a little older, is very agressive. He tells other kids where to sit, what toys to play with, when to be quiet, etc. His mother is constantly chatting with other moms and rarely intervenes.

Today, this boy was ordering DS around. DS just ignored him and continued playing. The bully became frustrated and stormed off to his mother.

I'm proud / relieved that DS handled it so well (like a lot of people, I was bullied growing up) but I'm wondering if we should talk about kids who "aren't being friendly" and how to deal with them.

Re: Teaching Kids about Bullies

I have had issues with stuff like this with DS who is also 3. Most of the time I just tell him to walk away. He doesn't understand why the other kids are being mean to him. My son loves to play with everyone and there will always be one kid in a group that isn't nice. I have had to tell DS a few times that the kid that isn't being nice is just a mean little boy/girl and they aren't allowed to play together. The kids he has had issues with, are always older 4-6. They understand what mean is. If it gets too bad, I will intervene and say something to the child. Or if the parent is anywhere to be found, then I will go to them.. I have no problems standing up for my son. He usually just walks away after a few minutes though.