My son Dakota is in the 5th grade. He is a big boy, tall and also overweight. But he is the kindest child you will meet. He relates to adults better than children his own age. In first grade we had bullying issues with him. He was the victim, not the bully. It's funny to say his bully was a little girl but she was vicious! They rode the same bus and were in the same class. She slapped him on the bus, for no reason, and also called him all sorts of name a 1st grader should not know. The school and it's officials disappointed me. They labeled my son the problem and did not like that he was acting out in the classroom. They even videotaped him during one day, with my consent. The problem was the camera was always off when something happened to make Dakota react. 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade went smoothly.

This year Dakota has been sick alot. Stomach problems, nausea and diarrhea. I would keep him home and then be mad when it appeared he was suddenly all better. This morning I asked him to get dressed. He had already come downstairs complaining of not feeling well. He got very upset, to the point of crying. That's when it came out that he is being bullied. Nothing physical, just being put down and made to feel like he is not human. He had told me of one incident at lunch time where a group of kids didn't want him sitting at their table. The one bully started it and the other kids just followed along.

I was mad at myself for not recognizing the signs. I went through this myself throughout school. I immediately called the school and left a message for the counselor that I wanted to meet with her. I kept Dakota home. We went in at 11 this morning for a meeting with the counselor, assistant principal and the behavior specialist. I told Dakota he had to do the talking, he had to tell them what he had been going through. He was afraid to tell because he did not want to be labelled a tattle tale and go through even more bullying. The assistant principal was wonderful. He coaxed Dakota into telling him what was going on. He said they were all shocked when the counselor told them this morning that there was a bullying issue. They reinforced with Dakota to never be afraid to say something to a teacher or other person. The behavior specialist was going to pull the bully out of class and 'give him a talking to'. I chuckled at that because this guy is big! I had Dakota dress in school uniform just in case he decided to stay today. The counselor said she would take Dakota to class and make sure everything was all right.

I was very impressed with their handling of this situation. They didn't laugh it off as kids will be kids. They took it seriously. I think because I relayed how he has missed alot of days this year because of this situation. I know that feeling of dread of having to go to school where it feels more like a prison. When we got to the office the counselor asked Dakota if he had anything to say to me before I left. He looked at my with those big blue eyes and I could see the apprehension. So I gave him a big hug and told him I love him. He smiled and said, I love you too!

It is past time parents started raising their children right. They need to be more accepting of all people, to not put someone down because of their race, size or just because they are quiet. There was one time we were out shopping and Dakota saw a mentally handicapped person and made some dumb remark about him. I pulled him aside and had a talk with him. I told him it's easy to pick on someone who is defenseless but how would it feel if it was him. Or someone he loves?

I am very anxious to see how the rest of his day went. Personally I want to go to this kid's parents and wring there necks! I always blame the parents because where else do kids learn their behavior from? Like the little girl in first grade, she called Dakota a faggot. What do 7 year olds know what that word means? They don't. They only hear their parents use it on other people.

Next year is middle school. That's where all the bullies seem to grow and expand their base of operations. I am hoping to get Dakota involved in some kind of sport to help his self esteem. He has already said he does not want to play football, but there is soccer and baseball! I think being in sports would help with his self image and also help with his weight. My stepdaughter has already said if this issue is not resolved, she will be going in to the school. Believe me,they don't want that. No one messes with her little brother!