The Protective parent

Yesterday was my Captains birthday I remember the day he came into the world. It was a cold and snowy day when I went into labor. And I couldn’t get my coat done up over my belly. My husband ran into the house to grab my bag for the hospital. I was there alone, leaning against our truck crying, contracting, and scared. Then 11 hours later my beautiful baby boy entered my life. My life and heart grew in ways I have never imagined. As I looked into my precious boys eyes I knew this was the defining moment of my life. I knew I’d move heaven and earth to protect him from anything that would harm him. It’s my joy and privilege to be his Mom. The sad part is I can’t protect him from everything. I have to let him experience life and unfortunately he’s been hurt. I’ve felt my heart break into a thousand pieces as I’ve held him in my arms while he’s sobbed “why me?” He’s a kind, caring, compassionate, boy and he doesn’t understand why some people aren’t treating him well. I met with the school administration today and they had glowing remarks to say about my son. He’s polite, respectful, kind, helpful, and caring towards his class mates and school staff. So my question was so he’s getting bullied because he’s essentially a good kid? I reminded them it was in fact bullying as there has been two kids consistently bothering him. Hitting, teasing, premeditated behaviour, these occurrences have reached their criteria for a bullying definition. I found out today as we were on our way to school, that my Captain doesn’t even play with the friends he’s made at school. He said there’s lots of people around them and some of these kids have caused him grief. So he said I’ve found a place where I can watch them play. Somewhere where he can observe and still be safe. First I was so sad to hear this, then I grew to be very mad. So I shared this with the admin staff and they put that into their notes. They laid out of a plan of action to help him cope with his anxiety, stress, and to hold these bullies accountable. Apparently these kids have been flagged with problem behaviour a year ago, and now here’s the repercussions of that not handled effectively. So now the school is a melting pot of emotions, vulnerability, and kids without boundaries. I’ve been assured that there are programs to help the Captain and myself included. So these will be implemented this week. I’ll be meeting with my sons teacher and attending a meeting about protecting students and helpful ways to cope with anxiety and self regulation tips. I’m well versed in this subject as its my daily spoken language in my home. So I left the meeting today filled with hope and promise for the first time, since I walked through those doors. Now I need to convince my son that he’s going to be ok, open his heart and mind to new possibilities to help and to heal his changed heart. And reassure him I’ll always be his proactive, protective parent who loves him to the depths of my heart. I will fulfill that promise since the day I held him in my arms and he blessed me by becoming his Mom. ❤️

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