Beware: serious post ahead

I cried in Simon's class today. Surprised you with that one huh. Simon was the estrella (the star) and I was the parent helper. As I'm working in the room, I see Simon getting bullied by a little boy. I remain calm and just watch. It happens several more times so I step in and ask this particular student to stop taking things away from Simon, to stop putting things in his face. Then, another boy steps in and begins to take Simon's toys as well as hit him with blocks. Then, one student picks up another student and drops her on top of Simon! My Simon began to cry. I don't blame him. I was so torn as to what to do! I was suddenly mama bear and I wanted to protect my little guy! The teacher comforted him and I just watched from afar. He settled down and the kids went about their business, but all was not well. His smile was gone, he looked lost. I went to him and just held him. . . and began to cry. I just wanted to protect my special guy. He was being so brave, but his eyes. . . you mamas know the eyes.

The eyes that tell you with one longing look that they just want to melt in a heap of tears, that they want their mama to make it better, that there has to be something better. . . . We spent some time together, mama bear and Simon. I think I did help to make it better. I got him to smile. Have you ever seen his smile? Amazing.

And I cried. I cried because my baby was hurting, because I wanted to protect him, because I couldn't, and because I'm hormonal. (I had a baby less than two weeks ago.)

I've been thinking a lot about this and chatted with my mom about it when I got home. I'll have an extended conversation with Gary about it tonight. Simon responded the way we've been training him to do at home. "Will you stop that please?" The boys didn't stop. Then what? I'm not a fan of tattling, I'm not a fan of fighting back, I'm not a fan of giving in. . . I don't know what to teach him. He is a small guy. He is a giver. Do other kids sense this as weakness in him? He is my first kid to share, to offer what he has, to assist someone. . . it is a characteristic that I adore about him.

I don't know the answers. I'm walking on a new road. I'll be talking with my Father about it as well. I just know that I love Simon and want to do what is best for him. Oh, and if you ever see my kids bully someone: tell me! I want to know and do something about it. . . pronto!