I would like you to look at this from a different way. Bullies are created, not born. At the heart of every bully is a scared little child, who has learned to attack first. Bullies are usually bullied by their own parents, and I think other adults in the lives can have a tremendous impact in them learning socially acceptable behavior. If I were you, I would probably say, "I've thought about what I said to you, and think perhaps I haven't been fair, and I think I should give you a chance to make friends with my sons. I expect you to follow my rules and treat my sons and me with respect, is that acceptable to you?" Then I would watch the kid, and compliment the bully on the first acceptable thing he did, whether it's a joke or being nice to someone, it's so important to point out their "good" behavior because many kids only get attention for bad behavior. I'm one of those people who believe, "It takes a village to raise a child." |