Dealing with Bullying

So much has been going on that posts will have to come over a few days.  On Saturday, Megan had her last soccer game for the season.  Personally, I am happy that the season is over.  However, I don't regret letting Megan participate.

We did deal with some bullying, but Megan actually likes the sport of soccer.  She doesn't have the experience like the other players.  She needs a coach that will be able to take the time to guide her a little more.  However, we stayed with the game until the end of the season.  

I did learn something that we haven't encountered with Megan in the past.  She doesn't play the "girl games" other girls play.  She doesn't pick one child over another or exclude one girl for another.  She tries to get along with everyone.  When other girls play those games (and it starts young), Megan stood up for herself. When it seemed to be getting ridiculous and exclusion turned to bullying, which included girls trying to make Megan quit and calling her names and kicking her when the coach wasn't paying attention, it was time to speak up. 

I nearly pulled my daughter from the team.  I wanted Megan to gain the experience of being on a team, of playing a sport, of learning new skills.  I had hoped that the activity would help her focus her energy.  Instead, my happy girl came home upset and angry and began to become depressed.  

No!  That was not going to happen because of a game and kids that have never been taught to treat others with kindness.  We spoke with the coach.  It slowed down the bullying, but it didn't completely stop.  We were near the end of the season, so my husband and I made certain one of us was always with our daughter.  

Will Megan be in sports again?  Maybe.  We'll see what happens and where Megan's interests lie.  

Bullying in any form is unacceptable.  We say that, but do we really believe it?  When I would discuss the situation with friends or family, many stated, "That's kids."  I would hear, "That's sports" or "That's soccer." 

Girls getting away with calling Megan... Or any child, stupid, in a game she was just learning, while the youngest on the team, is acceptable?

We encouraged Megan to be nice, even when others weren't.  She didn't call names back.  She tried to avoid the kids that were mean. I am hoping that I handled the situation well.

I am proud of Megan for sticking it out.  She learned a lot about soccer.  She played every game.  She kept going, even when others made it so hard.  She did her best to be friendly to those that weren't friendly to her.  To me, that is character.