Last week, my 12-year-old son told me that a boy in his class called him “weird” and kept picking fights with him. I sent a message to the principal and he said he’d address it but I also told my son something else:
“Be extra nice to him. A lot of kids don’t like him… maybe he just needs someone to be kind.”
And my son took those words to heart.
He packed extra snacks to share with him.
He defended him when other kids teased him.
He tried to be the friend this boy didn’t have.
He truly tried.
But today at pickup, he got into the car with his face flushed and his heart heavy. There had been another fight. The principal came over to my car and explained that the boy has emotional struggles and gets triggered easily and that it’s best they stay apart for a week.
But what stayed with me wasn’t the fight.
It was my son’s quiet voice with tears in his eyes:
“I was so nice to him. Why is he always fighting with me?”
I hugged him and told him what I hope he keeps inside forever:
We are all unique. Some people carry invisible battles. Some kids push away the very kindness they need. And none of that means your kindness wasn’t real or important.
To every child and adult who feels misunderstood, different, or alone:
I see you. I’m with you. You matter, and your heart matters even more.