I don't like James.....

[go-ask-your-father]

James was a kid at my 3 year old's play group last spring... but he still brings him up from time to time. It's usually "Dad, I don't like James."

To which I respond something like, "Well we shouldn't say we don't like someone, it might make them feel sad. But it's okay if you don't want to play with James."

James was a very aggressive kid who picked on at least one other kid at each playgroup session. And when I say pick on I mean, take every toy the other kid picks up, or he wouldn't exactly push the other kid, but jostle with him/her to sit where they were going to sit.... stuff like that.

Then my little guy will say, "Why did James' Mum not talk nice to him?" ....and I'm at a loss. Really no clue what to say here other than maybe she doesn't know any better. His Mother would raise her voice and scold him throughout the whole session at everything he did. Any thoughts on how to answer this one???

We stopped going and found a more docile environment.

[Sonnie Bee]

we have a behavior policy (rule) in our home:

if you don't like how someone is treating you, walk away from them. if they follow you and you don't like it, you come tell me, mama, gramma, or your teacher.

i started this teaching early on and it's been like gold for my kids. it even works when my two kids play together and things get "challenging."

we also supplanted the word "respect - to treat someone how you want them to treat you" early on. it's a more difficult concept, but they are very familiar with the word and when it is used.

[Jackson's Dad]

"Well son, James' mother is an idiot."