Sticking Up For Himself

Last Friday after school, Samuel came up to me in the cafeteria and he started crying. I couldn't get him to tell me what was wrong. And when I looked up, I saw his teacher walking towards me. She explained to me that Samuel was reading a library book out loud to his classmates, and the pictures in the book were funny. Samuel didn't realize the pictures were funny because he was focusing on the words. Some of the kids in his class started laughing, and he got his feelings hurt because he thought they were laughing at the way he was reading. His teacher felt horrible and I honestly didn't know what to say to make the situation better. So after we got home, I explained to Samuel that I honestly didn't think his friends were making fun of him, but that if anyone ever hurt his feelings or did anything to upset him in the future, that he didn't have to stand there and just take it. I told him that he did not have to be friends with anyone who is not nice to him, and that he could tell them "If you're not going to be nice to me, then I'm not going to be your friend." It's such a fine line... I don't want Samuel to be mean to kids, but at the same time I don't want him getting picked on...

Well, today was "Wear Your Favorite Hat Day" at school. And much to his teacher's surprise, he got up in front of the class and told them all about the hat he was wearing. She emailed me and told me this:

"I was so proud of Samuel today. It takes true strength of character to pick yourself back up after you get your feelings hurt as bad as Samuel did on Friday. I said that the kids could go up and tell the class why they picked the hat that they were wearing. And much to my surprise Samuel got up and told us that he picked it because it was his favorite one, and he liked the color. One little girl giggled (I don't know what for) but when Samuel was done, he whispered to her that if she laughed again he was not going to be her friend. She told him that she was sorry but then he said, "Saying sorry doesn't mean I have to be your friend." I didn't say anything because I was so glad that he was sticking up for himself. And I was right there the entire time, just in case he needed me to help. But he didn't need my help at all. :-)"

Tomorrow is "Silly Socks and Slippers Day" at school. I'll bet you none of those kids laugh at his bumble bee striped socks that he'll be wearing!