Musefan wrote: » Hey, this is a really tough time for you. Sounds like your little family have already jumped some of life’s huge hurdles like special needs, childhood cancer and bereavement. It sounds like you’re a strong bunch. Do what you can to keep your daughter safe in terms of schooling, but I don’t know if I would agree with the poster who suggested withdrawing her. I think the danger here is it can make it that much harder to integrate into a new school if you’ve not been in a while. Until it’s sorted, it might be worth focusing on the things she enjoys about school, however tiny. Holidays are approaching too. One thing that struck me was that you’re linked with an oncology department. Do they have any psychology/social work support available? I wonder would having some time to air it all out be helpful? You, your daughter and son can also access psychology services via primary care. I hope things start to improve.
Purple Mountain wrote: » There are supports out there for single parents. Treoir is one off the top of my head. Reach out. I agree with the other posters. Take her out of there immediately and make a formal complaint to the Board of Management.
duffysfarm wrote: » Are you getting the widower s pension? Some people are not aware that they are due this after death of spouse.
Ghekko wrote: » Have the school spoken to the bullies/their parents? I wouldn't hesitate to involve community Garda if the school weren't dealing with this crap.
Rubberchikken wrote: » Your daughter's mental health is a priority. The school has a duty of care to her and if you have the energy, you need to insist they do something about this bullying. Yes its good for her to learn tips on how to deal with bullying but shes a child and needs adults to help and support her. If it means removing hwr from.the school and getting her into a new school for the coming year, then good. Many kids do really well in a new environment away from the toxic behaviour that shes experiencing.
Frazer600 wrote: » Hi OP, I am really sorry that you and your daughter are going through this. I had a similar issue with my daughter a couple of years ago. The schools reaction was similar also. She was told that she was over sensitive, over reacting and giving the bullies what they were looking for by getting upset. I feel because the bullies were using sly and almost hidden tactics therefore little evidence apart from my daughter's word. We stuck with it for two years!! Half way through her 6th year she just had enough and we moved her to a school some distance away. She blossomed and did her leaving cert coming out with a great result. It did take it's toll on her mental health and she attended counselling for about a year. I suppose you know your daughter best but my advice would be move her now. Get her in a couple of weeks before the year ends and she will start next year a little familiar with the surrounds. Hind sight and all that, I should have moved my daughter sooner but I waited and waited expecting the school to sort it. I wish you both the best x
Emilee wrote: » I’d like to thank everyone for your responses and advice, words of encouragement too. You’re all an amazing bunch thank you again!
Purple Mountain wrote: » Would you have someone to take with you to the meeting as an emotional support and as a witness? You deserve to have support there. Really sorry this is happening to you and her.
taylor3 wrote: » Oh God I truly feel for you. Shower your daughter with lots of hugs and encouragement and reassurance. Remind her that these bullies are just bad minded (bleeps), and deep down the issue is with them and not your daughter. I'll give you a brief rundown of my situation. My daughter is 12 and in 6th class. She is a very bright and well mannered child. Recently the girls in her class have become bulliesh towards her by means of exclusion. They all talk about her in a group and when she asks them why or what the problem is they just shrug their shoulders and deny deny deny.... Her heart is broke. Sometimes they fool her by pretending to be friendly and turn against her negatively. If they are sharing lunch or passing around a ball etc; they leave her out. I could go on and on. But I'm sure you get the message. I spoke to 3 different teachers and even though the girls were given a good talking to they just go back to their bad behaviour. So I went into the school yard one morning and stood among them and warned them to keep the hell away from her and that if they had a problem now is the time to speak up... needless to say they were like a bunch of kittens. So far since, they have backed off but I'm am keeping a watchful eye on it. BTW i told my daughters school that because of their incompetence in sorting this I will decide some days to keep my daughter at home just to give her a break. She cannot wait to leave and go into secondary. Sorry for the long post but I would love you to show your darling daughter this so she knows she is not alone. Good Luck and I really wish you and your 2 kids well.. Please God in time all bad things pass.
Emilee wrote: » Hi T an thank you for your words of encouragement. Oh hugs to you and your daughter also bullies can be so cruel, really makes you wonder what’s missing in their lives to do this to other people. Their parents probably have no clue their children are even doing it, I for one would be horrified to learn my child was a bully.
taylor3 wrote: » I spoke to 3 different teachers and even though the girls were given a good talking to they just go back to their bad behaviour. So I went into the school yard one morning and stood among them and warned them to keep the hell away from her and that if they had a problem now is the time to speak up... needless to say they were like a bunch of kittens. So far since, they have backed off but I'm am keeping a watchful eye on it.
Swanner wrote: » I wanted to do this but my wife and daughter wouldn't let me I'm a grown man and these were teenage girls so it clearly would have been inappropriate to be honest i didn't care at the time. It's amazing how that protective instinct kicks in. Anyway I just wanted to say well done for taking the bull by the horns and sticking up for your daughter like that. She's lucky to have you.
Emilee wrote: » Well the meeting went ahead, I was supposed to be meeting with two teachers instead 4 of them attended. Including the principal, in which he couldn’t wait to get out of there! They’ve said we’d like the opportunity to tackle this. Huh it’s like locking the stable door and the horse has gone. At the meeting my daughter got very upset then I started to get upset. Really my heart broke for her. My daughter is still adamant on getting out of there, and with the principals attitude I honestly can’t blame her. Again it was mentioned about my daughter having an emotional side and being sensitive. I bit my tongue I really wanted to let rip, so it’s like they turn the tables on my daughter. Meeting honestly was a waste of time!
