This is the eighth post in a series about my son’s recent experience with bullying at school.
Last night at dinner, Sam suggested that we each say what our favorite things are about each other. He asked me to go first. I told Sam that I love how smart and creative he is, and what an interesting guy he is—I don’t know a single other nine-year-old who is passionate about opera.
I told Sam’s six-year-old sister Ruby that I love that she is fun, funny, and full of life, more full of life than any other person I know. I told my husband Ian that he’s wise and brave and thinks outside the box, and supports me so well. And then Sam, Ruby, and Ian each said what they love about everyone else.
When we were done, we sat quietly at the table, feeling all glowy and happy and loved. And then Sam said, “You know what my favorite thing about Sarah Hoffman is?”
We’d been using our real names to talk to each other, of course. Sam knows I write under a pen name—and why. He also knows we’ve been meeting with his teachers, the principal, the school counselor, and other parents about making his school a kinder, safer place.
“My favorite thing about Sarah Hoffman is that you’re standing up for me.”