I am trying to get some sleep by 2am. With so much to do, I do not have enough hours in the day. I am now living on 4 hours of sleep a day. I enjoy it! Really, I do. I realize that I have to do “Time Management” or else, I will tumble down.
Anyhow, I was checking the headlines on CNN and one hit home. I told you that I am now Homeschooling my two kids. One is in 7th grade and one in 1st. The age difference alone keeps me on my toes.
The reason I took both out of school is due to the lack of action to concerns I had about my kids being bullied. In fact I just finished writing to Superintendent of the Schools (I am not done complaining). The faculty at the schools need to understand how fragile our children are. What are they thinking? I did the unthinkable to one Principal. I got her on tape. 
Earlier this year my son was being bullied by two boys and one girl. Each one bullied him in separate occasions and for various reasons. The boys taunted him, called him names and would follow him around school. One went as far as to punch him. Yes, I was outraged. Are you kidding me. I took pictures of my son, had him seen by his pediatrician and while at the doctors office I was both on the phone and email with the Principal.
To make this short, nothing was done. The kids (boys) calmed down for a while; those boys did tease him and called him a SNITCH. He was Okay with this…….. The girl now takes over; she follows him; she asks him for his Myspace account and cell number. My son handed them to her. She then began to text him things that no kid that age should know about. OH-MY-Gosh! I could not believe it, then she left him horrible comments on his MYSPACE account. My son used to have a BLOG. He took it down because she was commenting there too.
When I took this to the Principal she assured my she would take care of it. I asked for a follow up and a conference with the girl’s parents. “Sorry, we cannot allow it”; her response.
This was extremely stressful for my son; he was not happy and I did not feel it was safe for him there. I decided to transfer him to a Private school but gave him a break and sent him to my Fathers for some bonding time. He had a great time.
While my son was away, my daughter was being bullied. She started coming home with bruising. I asked all the questions and took images. I talked to the teacher and to the Principal. They assured me they would talk to the children involved and IF deemed necessary they would contact the parents. Two weeks later another incident occurred. This time the Principal had the never to suggest my daughter was only looking for attention. WHAT?
What child her age would cause bruising to themselves; for attention? I do not think so. NOTHING was done. I asked the Principal for a meeting to discuss this further. I went prepared (I love my cell phone because of this) I had my cell on Record Voice, there was no indication that it was recording. I placed it in the center of the table and proceeded.
I did not have to use the recording; I know that it cannot be held in court. However, I have it on tape…………..
Finally, I decided to homeschool my kids. The public schools in our neighborhood are the best in the City (academically speaking). No more private school or public. I have hired tutors to guide us, registered in additional social activities for them. My son and daughter are happy. My daughter no longer complains of stomach pain or breaks out in hives. My kids Doctor agreed that my daughter was so stresssed that symptoms had manifested physically.
This year being 10 years from the Columbine tragedy and just now reading this Moms’ nightmare all remind me of how blessed I truly am. My children are healthy and happy. I know that many Parents cannot afford to stay home with their kids and it is especially hard (but not impossible) when you are a single parent caring and providing for your kids and running a business.
Jaheem Herrera dead at the age 11 due to the pressures of being bullied. No child (or adult) should have to ever feel desperate. His Mom said that Jaheem did not want her to complain to the school anymore. As nothing had been done in the past. She had complained about the bullies EIGHT times. You can read the entire article HERE
Listen to your kids, ask questions, check those online accounts. Ask them; ARE YOU HAPPY? I am always surprised with my kids response. Each time they offer me a different answer and I get to know them better. For all Parents homeschooling I welcome suggestions.
Have you had to deal with your kids being bullied or being the bullier? How did you deal with it? Share your thoughts with us…
Here is the Video from CNN with Anderson Cooper
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I heard about this. We had something here a few weeks ago where the mom of the bullied organized a fight between the girls, taped it and posted it on Youtube. Mom’s in jail now
Laura… with Misty is in her 5th year of teaching, when I hear about how the school “handles” things these days.. it really pisses me off! In our school systems around here, the teachers hands are tied and the good ole days of A$$ whipping are far to gone (in my opinion)!
I feel that kids these days KNOW they can get away with whatever because the “system” won’t punish them! You example is even more crazy because of the way they handled your situation!
I admire you for taking on the home schooling!
Hi Laura,
I feel your situation. The other day my son came home from school and told me he was being bullied by a girl in his classroom who tried to stick a pencil in his hear. Much to my horror, I called his teacher and expressed my concern. She in return said that this was the first she heard of it and reassured me that she would speak with the girl and the entire class about the effects of bullying. She also initiated it a step further by talking to the principal of the incident upon which the principal removed the girl away from my son’s learning area.
I have always instilled to my son the importance of communication. He knows that he can come to me and his dad when something feels wrong. I am blessed to know that he does express his feelings when he’s down or if something is bothering him. My only prayer is that he will remember that well into his years of growing up. That his Dad and I will always be there if he needs to talk.
I have contemplated homeschooling him also, and I know that is an option, because I am blessed to be a work at home mom.
Thank you Laura for such an informative post and to know that your children are now happy, safe and most of all healthy. God Bless!
Hmmmm that’s cool.
This is horrible. I can’t believe how careless the schools are in protecting the children! The parents of the bullies should be getting visits from the victims parents to make sure the bulling stops, and get the authorities involved. If adults get in trouble with the law for “harassment”, the children should be also. Crimes should not go unpunished, regardless of the age. If they don’t get disciplined as kids, most likely they will grow up to do more serious crimes.
I look forward to reading what you’re planning on next, because your blog is a nice read, you’re writing with passion.
Having been on the receiving end in school, I can tell you it leaves an impression. Today kids being bullied are more likely to take a gun to school to stop it. How did things get this far?
i was home schooled too but i would still prefer regular schools.’:;
i was home schooled when i was still very young and i have to stay that it is also a great way to educate your kids ~~”