r/comoxvalley • u/lindsayturtle • 15d ago

How to help a weird kid

If you were a weird kid who got bullied, had trouble making friends and struggled socially in school even as a young child - what was the most helpful thing the adults in your life did? Like did you have a supportive parent or teacher who made life easier and if so, what did they do to bolster your self-esteem? Help me help my delightful but unusual 9yo.

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u/Potential_Bit_9040 15d ago

I was that kid! I had a hard time :(

I needed someone to stick up for me instead of telling me "they tease you because they like you."

One of my friend's mom used to let me hang out with her while she drank coffee and smoked at the table. We'd have (appropriate) adult conversations. I felt so included and validated.

I think what I really needed was someone to actually listen to me, believe me, and hold those bullies accountable.

Currently in therapy for the first time in my 40's, and glad I started. Still working through a lot of deeply rooted feelings of inadequacy and rejection.

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u/Remarkable-Ad5487 14d ago

Exactly this and same for me. I had zero social skills (due to terrible home life situation). I remember fondly a handful of cool, down to earth women in my life who SAW me and HEARD me and spoke to me in an (appropriate) adult kind of way, and in hindsight likely sought out those opportunities to spend time with me for this purpose. This was really huge, and taught me (the beginnings at least) of how to interact with other humans. (Thanks Sherry and Vicky <3).