Last night over dinner, my son told me that the two boys he sits with at lunch are not only refusing to talk to him but the only thing they will say to him is "liar' or "liar liar pants on fire". This really upsets me. Not because of the childhood norm of saying things like that. It is because I think I know where this is coming from. My son is clueless as to what is going on and it is making him very sad. A few months ago there was a huge mix up when Gabriel brought a Wow butter and jelly sandwich to school. His principal got involved and everyone accused Gabriel of eating peanut butter at the peanut free table. At this time, they did not know that Gabriel is growing out of his peanut allergy. HE knew it was not peanut butter and I had sent the same sandwich with him most days for a couple of months prior with the sticker stating that it was not peanut butter. I thought that because I had sent that sticker so much, they would know what it was. Apparently that was when they decided to notice that he had what looked like peanut butter. What makes me angry about this is that my son who is allergic to milk, eggs and nuts sits at the "peanut free" table while the other two boys sitting there bring things he is allergic to. But, the one time they suspect Gabriel brings something the other two are allergic to he is put in the middle of a huge scene. Gabriel ends up sitting all alone because the kids will be drinking milk that day and they have to have a table divide the two so that if it spills it won't get him. I am fine with that. I just feel terrible for Gabriel. But, these children are bringing foods that Gabriel is allergic to every day and sitting close to him. It is like they don't take his other allergies as seriously as the older boys peanut allergies. Now, to top it off, he is sitting alone and the other boys are not being nice to him. I assume this incident with the "peanut butter" is what is prompting the name calling. My heart just breaks for my son. He is already behind socially and has a difficult time making and keeping friends. When he told me about it, it took everything in me not to break down and cry with him. I am his mom and I need to be strong, showing him that it will get better.
I have written his teacher as requested by my son. But, I have yet to hear back from her. I just hope this will be resolved and we can find something more suitable for lunch time.
What do you think? Would you have reacted the same as I did? How would you resolve this?
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