What You DON’T Know About THAT Kid

You know that kid, right? I am sure you already have a picture in your head. Just the mere mention of that kid conjures up actions and behaviors that you can never forget. They leave a lasting impression and make it so that no matter where you are, how long its been, or how far removed you are from the memory,  everything seems so fresh and current. That kid. Yes, that kid… how could you forget that kid.

There’s been a lot of talk about “that” kid, lately. There’s been a simple letter FROM a teacher of “THAT “kid, a letter to moms TO “that” kid and even a plea from a mom OF “that” kid. However, one thing seems to be missing from all of these stories… THAT kid.

Who, exactly, is THAT kid?

 Who is That Kid

*Click here to read the popular letter to the teacher of “that kid”

So, Who is That Kid? This is What You Probably Already Know!

That kid that never seems to pay attention to a word you are saying.

The teachers and staff at school know the name of that kid before the end of the first day of school. (They may have even been warned)

The teacher calls that kid unruly or out of control.

That kid disrupts the class with loud noises and nonsense sounds for no apparent reason other than to get attention.

That kid has been sent to the principals office more times than one can count.

The parents of that kid have a special parking spot reserved for meetings with the teachers (they are a regular).

That kid that seems to touch anything and everything no matter how many times you tell them to stop.

That kid never seems to stop talking, ever.

That kid is the one who chooses to sit alone in class because being too close to too many people is overwhelming. 

That kid bites, kicks, hits, and even punches.

Relatives whisper about that kid when the parents aren’t around.

Other parents don’t want that kid at their kids’ birthday parties and most definitely don’t want their kids to be friends with “that kid.”

People often wonder “what’s wrong with that kid?”

You have seen that kid kicking and screaming in the grocery store and my have even called them “spoiled”.

 

Honestly, the list could go on for days. We all know that kid, right? We have been around that kid, or taught that kid, or had our children tell us about that kid. But do we REALLY know that kid? Do we ever really ever see the other side? Do we ever get the full picture? What about that kid?The side the parents of “that kid” would give everything they own for others to see?

 Children's Behavior is an Iceberg

Image Source: Kelly Bartlett

What You DON’T Know About That Kid

After 12 years in the classroom, I had my share of that kid. Each year there was another one, sometimes more than one. The teachers before me had warned me and the parents even dropped them off the first day of school with their heads hanging low.

But here’s the part that hit me in the gut: That kid knew it. They felt the disappointment, the frustration. They owned it.”

As a teacher, I was determined to find out what others didn’t know. The part people didn’t see or tell me about.

Then, it happened. I remember it vividly. I was on the phone with my best friend. Tears running down my cheek, my heart was heavy. It had been an especially rough day with my oldest son at school. Wait, it has been an especially rough year with my son at school. It was in that moment that I realized what was going on. It was then that I muttered… “I HAVE that kid.” I sobbed. In fact, I stayed in that mindset for quite some time. I felt defeated and failed. I felt as though I had done this to my kid. I had turned him into that kid. I was to blame. I wondered if anyone would ever get to know my kid! The kid I loved, the kid I saw at home, when all the stressors were gone. That kid. Do you know that kid?

The Truth about That Kid

That kid is also the one who sings at the top of her lungs in a voice that may very well be full of amazing potential the world may never hear.

That kid cries at movies when a character loses their best friend because “it just hurts so much.”

That kid knows the names of every constellation and can tell you when its the best time to see them.

That kid sees when others are hurting or needing help and quickly jumps in with a hand or a hug.

That kid will curl up in your lap for a good story or a tight squeeze any day of the week if the conditions are right.

That kid gets so worked up about going to birthday parties that they will literally get sick from the excitement.

That kid will bite their nails until they bleed just to try to avoid biting another person.

That kid worries for friends who aren’t on the bus or at school and can’t stop thinking about them until they see that they are okay. 

That kid is highly intelligent and learned how to speak full sentences before the age of one. (but as they grew older, that kid couldn’t process the information fast enough and started to get frustrated).

That kid can tell the most elaborate stories and keep everyone on their toes with details of dragons and knights and damsels in distress.

That kid wants to know why no one likes them.

What do you call That Kid

Which kid do you know? Are there things about that kid you wish others knew? Connect with me on FacebookTwitterGoogle+PinterestInstagram or subscribe by email. I can’t wait to hear about that kid you know. I would love to hear and I would love for you to tell the world their story! Share your story about that kid, so others can know them well.

Don’t forget to read the letter to the teacher of that kid! It is a must read for any teacher, parent or caregiver!

Dear Teacher Letter

Resources to Understanding “THAT KID”

Is It Sensory Behavior or Both Teaching Social Skills to children who lack social understanding Tips for Calming an Angry Child

40 thoughts on “What You DON’T Know About THAT Kid”

  1. THAT kid — yes! This post brought tears to my eyes for all of those kids, and for my own THAT kid who cries at Happy Birthday, because it sounds sad, and who runs from the room if I am reading a book that is “too sad.” He who tells long involved stories about dragons and can tell you every little detail about the Titanic, because at 5 his is so interested in it we have checked out every library book available.

    Thank you for continually writing the posts that are in the hearts of all “That kid” moms!

    1. ilovemyson

      I have that kid too. The on is is full of life, finds things a struggle, never gets invited to friends parties, often lonely despite wanting fitness. Yes, he runs about, can be boisterous, loud and cause others to give me that look, I want to scream I know, I. Want to tell the world about th a t kid, because underneath, there is the most wonderfully caring, witty, I intelligent child, that can sing, dance, run and be amazing as so much, just because he doesn’t conform to society and the so called norms of this world. Let.him be, he is a human and is.on a long road.of.discovery. and tries his hardest to conform. Well guess what, despite the troubles, the looks the talk, I LOVE THAT KID AND ALWAYS WILL.

  2. I have some of THOSE KIDS. My first is adhd, another is add, my last is adhd/ocd and I also have a developmentally delayed child that has a whole host of issues. As a parent of THOSE KIDS, I can relate to the feelings of despair, self blame, anger, protectiveness, the list goes on. What others see is the annoying things the child does. They don’t see the child worrying over friends, the selflessness they can show towards others. The sweet love notes, hugs, the kisses. The prayers they pray for others, even at a young kindergarten age. As a parent of THOSE KIDS….I try to remind others of all the good things my kids say and do. And my advice to other parents of THOSE KIDS…tell others of the great things your kid does/can do in FRONT OF THEM! It will do wonders for their self esteem =) Remind them often how wonderful YOU think they are! Be their safe haven. Be their respite from the chaos they face everyday.

  3. Lauren

    I cried while reading this. I have THAT KID. To an exact T. My son chewed his fingers until they bleed. He is 10 and now, he still picks his fingers, but in habit. We have gone down long roads of looks and whispers. Teachers through 2nd grade calling me weekly. It does get better. We have known he is wonderful and talented now others are starting to see it. Please as a parent that has been there, don’t give up! The child is resilient and he will come out on top keep encouraging the good and reminding of the manners!!!

    1. Lemon Lime Adventures

      Those are amazing words of encouragement! Thank you!

    2. Laura

      Thank you! Beautiful words, I’m the mother of “That Kid”,

  4. Elvina Liew

    I cried after reading your post. I have THAT kid at home too. Everywhere he goes, most people can’t really accept him and will gives lot of unpleasant comment. But, to me he is a very sweet and heartwarming child. He serves, he loves to offer help, he loves to share and he is hospitable. He is beautiful gift from GOD!

    1. Lemon Lime Adventures

      I am sure he is. I am so happy you are able to be there for him and give him a place where he feels comfortable to be himself. Hugs to you! I know how hard it is!

  5. Michelle

    What a great post. I have a similar son also. Although he’s generally well behaved at school, family get togethers, with extended family, I dread. No one understands why boys can’t sit still, or be quiet, or make a mess wherever they go, or refuse to where shoes, always want to have water fights and he will definitely fight for what he believes in, which personally I find a good quality in children. Trying to get others to understand him is near impossible but he is my gorgeous son who is definitely his dad’s shadow, massages my back when it’s sore, loves teddies, will push his baby cousin on her swing, help a new child at school who doesn’t speak English, win an elephant toy at the show for his nana, paint my toe nails, the list goes on. I just wish everyone else could focus on all his awesome qualities like I try to do. Thanks again for this post, I really enjoyed it.

  6. Angela Anderson

    I’m still crying, I have ‘THAT’ child and he is awesome, that’s what people don’t take time to see.

    The one who was kept in everyday during his first week of kindergarten and told he couldn’t colour in properly and had a major meltdown. Yet he sat and concentrated so hard for hours to paint a giraffe for his cousin as perfectly as he could.

    He is a divergent thinker and very non conformist, loud, nonstop and very intense but he has such sensative soul.

    He worries about his family and tells his mum shes doing a good job after he’s had a meltdown, destroyed things and I’m still paitiently trying to comfort him.

    Who just sat and behaved perfectly for two days in a hospital visiting his beloved poppy, telling him puns to cheer him up.

    The child who worries about clean drinking water and food in Africa and tries to come up with inventions to help, this started when he was 4.

    The boy who is constantly telling his toddler brother how good he is getting at new skills and encourages him and cheers him on like he’s his biggest fan, and gave him his most precious sleep toy because he saw him hug it once.

    I’m always doubting if I’m failing him by keeping him out of the school system who will only see his strong willed, over sensative side as a negatives rather than seeing my whole beautiful intelligent yet, very atypical child.

    But I would rather him grow his emotional side in a place where he is cherished, rather than condemned for simply being himself. And I remind myself that for now, we’re doing the exact right thing, for the right reasons and when and if that changes, we’ll do the right thing then too.

    1. Lemon Lime Adventures

      This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

  7. Robin Green

    I hate to be redundant but I also cried. My younger son seems to have sensory integration issues and he has a quick, violent temper. He is only three and some of it may be developmentally appropriate but sometimes it is too extreme and excessive. He still bites his classmates in preschool and hits, bites and scratches us at home. He throws anything he can get his hands on, destroys items and is extremely defiant. He is also funny, smart and has a huge vocabulary. He told a preschool teacher that he was fighting with his older brother because he is “aggravating.” He also loves to be busy and do jobs. One night (when he was 2), I said I needed a pedicure. He went to my bedroom and came back with his nail clippers, a file and an orange stick. He also brought the nasal aspirator we brought home from the hospital with our older son to “put on the nail polish.” I know I will be receiving those calls and have to come up with some solutions for when he starts elementary school but am grateful for now that his preschool teacher appreciates him for who he is.

    1. Ms. Catherine

      I have had many children who were considered “That Kid” in my class over the last 25+ years. The biggest issue I had was dealing with people WHO DON’T UNDERSTAND “That Kid”… who have no empathy for “That Kid”… no patience for “That Kid” doesn’t UNDERSTAND WE NEED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EVERY CHILD… and a KID is a goat… I was ONE OF THOSE KIDS… I was “That Kid” that was forced to write with my right hand and I am a lefty… I was “That Kid” who struggled reading aloud because I am dyslexic… though I could read at the age of four… and I knew how to use a dictionary… BECAUSE MY GRANDMOTHER REALLY LOVED “That Kid”… ME … and she showed “That Kid” patience…she gave “That Kid” unconditional love… she encouraged “That Kid”… she NEVER GAVE UP ON “That Kid”… THAT IS WHY I WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON ANY KID…

      1. I have two kids my eldest is 16 and has a learning disability and struggles through life and everyday things. She want look people in the eye and most of the time want try new things and her behaviour half the time is like Im dealing with a 5 year old. Trying to teach her about maturity is a up hill battle which usually ends in tears. Behaviour is pretty good but as I said very mouthy and even trying to get her to take responsibility is such a battle.

        My son on the other hand is Autistic, learning disability and intellectual disability he is in Yr7 at school and is so close to been explelled. His behaviour is out the door his mouth usually gets him in so much trouble. He has major meltdowns verbally abuses other kids and hits them as well. He cries at school when things don’t go right, lies and want take responsibility for his actions and recently has started to steal money. Im a single mum and find it very difficult to handle him some days. His father is in the picture but lives 3 hours drive away.

        Im at my witts end at how and what to do his latest offence at school involved inappropriate use of the computer at school and home and had to involve the police. He mouths me off quite often and is very defiant to the point I get so frustrated with not doing what I have asked.

        Recently I have started an elimination diet and the turn around in my son is amazing upto this week where he stole money and brought food from the school canteen. Still have arguments and he needs to learn about respect for me and his sister and the way he speaks to us but am def seeing improments

  8. Diane Erichsen

    Ok, so redundancy allowed here! I cried too, for I have two kids who are THAT KID. The first kid is a 57 year old Mom/teacher who fits your list to a T, and that is myself. In the late 60s and early 70s when I was in elementary, middle, and high school, we did not have words/acronyms such as ADHD, ADD, OCD, sensory processing disorder or developmentally delayed. The child was “different”, “can’t make friends easily, what’s wrong with her?” And on and on. I taught myself to read by the age of 3, my father’s college Geology books, but I was so self-conscious and anxious I could not speak so I was put in Speech Therapy for they thought I was “slow”. I was tested with a 147 IQ but had a difficult time with Math. My SATs were nearly perfect scores, with AP English and History but flunked Trigonometry. I, too, was in the principal’s office, shunned by my parents for they preferred my bubbly sister, and questioned my teachers ability to teach.I found my way through life, changed my major several times to fit me, spent 15 years in the film and television industry as a cinematographer, went back to school when my son was born to become a teacher.As a teacher, I see myself in my students who are “a little off”. I see other teachers frustrated with the unusual child, parents not quite sure what to make of their DD or DS, and administration loving testing accommodations so those scores don’t throw off the building sites APIs.

    And now for my other child, my lovely, smart, brilliant, star in the evening sky 12 year old, who wants to be cool and fit in. But he just doesn’t. So I get the phone calls from the AP, emails from the teachers, on how he is distracted, off task, and excessive socializing. Yesterday he had detention for excessive talking and writing a bad word so he had to pull weeds. He is not an acronym. He is a star ice hockey player, and has not read one book front to back, but is considered highly intelligent by the school psychologist and his mom and dad. Hormones are starting to kick in, and I am not sure how all this will be interpreted in 8th grade on. However, he is my darling and I will continue to support and encourage my son as much as possible. As we get older, we realize life is a very, very long process, childhood is so brief, and THAT KID will change and grow as they become an adult. Trust me, I know first hand!

  9. I was that kid…school was rough and it took time to recover but I have found my way and feel very happy with my life and the successes I have had. Employers appreciate me way more then any teachers did. I have an amazing family and friends. I am a skilled musician, talented therapist and college professor. I still have a passion for life and have had amazing experiences and adventures. Take heart parents….your child will find their way. School is just a terrible match for kids like us.

    1. There are teachers who do understand and care. I am still teaching after 20 years and have had at least one to five of THIS KID each and every year. I have found one way to appreciate them is to listen with my heart and to take the time to let them think out loud. These “kids” are brilliant, kind, difficult little miracles that can actually change this world and make it a better place.

      I am so glad to hear that you have found your way. God bless!

  10. Oh my eyes just welled-up with tears, while reading and sitting next to “that kid”… I too HAVE that kid. I can tell you I remember the moment I knew it too. I have blamed myself for years and somedays I’m over it and somedays, not so much. But, EVERYDAY, I Love adore teach, appreciate, share stories with, and nurture ‘that kid’ that’s mine. Thank you toooooo much for writing this. I could never explain how much it means to me. Thank you and Happiest of Holidays to you and yours. 🙂

  11. Michelle Gordon-Krohling

    I have two of them. They both have Asperger’s, and it hurts the way people look at you when a 10/11 yr old has a meltdown. But we’re blessed to live where the teachers and doctors ask themselves, “what can I do?” Goodness, the teachers ask the parents and the child half the time!

    My boys are wonderful, challenging, but wonderful. It’s a long road, but every success is all the sweeter as a result.

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  13. This is so insightful, thank you so much for writing this. I shared this on pinterest.

    1. Lemon Lime Adventures

      Thank you so much!

  14. Leah

    I adopted THAT kid at age 3 days old. As he wraps his sweet 4 year old arms around me and snuggles up with me in the morning I thank God that I adopted THAT kid. He is my 6th child and so I thought I knew what patience was…what unconditional love was…what a challenging child was…what frustration was…what an advocate for my child was. He has taught me so many things and I am a much better mom and person because of him. I now hug the mom who has a child melting down in the store…I text the mom who says she is having a bad week and offer to babysit…I bring a coffee to the mom who just doesn’t think she can handle one more day. Remember that behind every THAT kid is a mom who LOVES that kid and wants to be accepted in your network of friends. Reach out and be a friend to that mom and you might realize THAT kid isn’t so bad after all!

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  17. Dawn

    I read this story and I know how it feels. I have a “non-cookie cutter” child. I got fired of his behavior being compared to other children’s because it wasn’t the same. Well, he isn’t the same and that is fine by me because the joy that he brings to my life through his compassion for others, his sense of humor, his insight is beyond words. He is so full of life and it is infectious.

    I look back and smile (he is 15 now) recalling the first day of kindergarten. I got a call from the teacher for a behavioral issue. He stood on the playground screaming when he was corrected. Welcome to my land of the snowballing meltdown. Thankfully she worked with him.

    Throughout the years it was frustrating because his lack of attention and boredom in school created a lot of opportunity for distracted, acting out behaviors. He always did best when doing challenging work, hands on work, or being able to help others. He finished his work quickly, but being expected to sit in his seat and do nothing wasn’t something he could do. That red/yellow/green light system worked against him. Rarely did he have a green day and I think some days were red before school started for forgotten homework. It was a constant reminder to him that he was doing poorly by the schools standards.

    He tested well enough to be in special classes but because of his behavior it wasn’t allowed. Since the teachers all knew him they dealt with the situation as best as they could, but it was always apparent when he had one that thought of him as THAT KID.

    We moved when he was in the eighth grade after I took a new position at work. He didn’t pass all of his classes and the new school wasn’t trying to see my child. All they saw was someone they wanted to ship out of their system because he was trouble. I refused to switch schools.

    I cried the day my child asked me if I thought he had adhd. I cried because my son asked me to take him to the doctor to see if there was something they could do because he wanted to be able to sit in school like the other kids…he tried and just couldn’t. He wanted to do well. He wanted to k ow what it was like to be normal. I cried because my son is so much more than normal.

    My son now takes medication for his adhd. He takes it only in school days because that works for us. He understands that it helps with his behavior in school because a classroom is not the ideal learning environment for him. He understands that I think he is just perfect without it.

    I love my non-cookie cutter kid and wouldn’t want him any other way.

  18. Claudia Paredes

    I have blown up at my “that kid” , and I feel sooooo bad for that, for letting the situation get the best of me. My son is the most loving, forgiving, brave, creative boy ever and I let school, teachers, counselor, principal blind me. I’m sorry

  19. Erica

    Im holding back the tears reading this. I have two of “that kid” both mildly autistic with sensory and speech issues. My son who is four has opened up more at school and gets rave reviews. His teachers love him, but in public or unknown places I get the look. For my daughter who is two and a half her sensory seeking is worse even with therapy. And even though she interacts with others daily and sees her three therapist weekly, she has issues warming up to anyone but me. I fear when she starts school this fall I will be spending a lot of time there too and she will be “that kid”. She also has hearing loss on one side. So on top of special vest that are supposed to calm her (not working) she has a hearing aid. Some days I really don’t know what to do.

  20. Jennifer Gignac

    I have those kids, and sometimes they drive me crazy. But the other times, they are really affectionate, sweet, caring, sentimental and always wanting to try new things. It’s hard to redirect their strong emotions to a healthy way other people can relate to.

  21. Anne

    i loved this post. I have THAT amazing kid- who only just now got a 504 in 6th grade despite having team meetings since 2cnd grade . Who got labeled as ADD but who I knew was sensory challenged from birth. He is amazingly bright but underperforms. Organizationally challenged but able to design intricate inventions. Talks non stop about details my mind can’t hold. He is emotionally empathic and is easily hurt. His kindness knows no bounds- he still snuggles with me and tells me all day how great I am and how much he loves me. He is the reason I use mindfulness and meditation at home and when I teach. He is the reason we take family Tai Chi. And when as a single mom I got cancer, he is the strongest reason I fought so hard to live. I love all 3 of my kids fiercely. But my middle son, my sensitive and highly overloaded by noises and touch son needs me the most. The oldest and youngest are gregarious, resilient and hold their own in this ocean of life . My beautiful Noah is still being battered by the crashing waves, unable to get past the breakers to the calm waters without my hand to hold right now. He made me fight harder to find a cure, gave me courage and offered me love. He is my baby I swaddled and wore in a sling for the first 6 months, and until 2 i carried on my body. He is the sweet boy who spoke crystal clear words at 10 months, but did not walk until 2. He is the one his father teased for being “not bright” and I fiercely affirmed the brilliance of. He sits with me in bed now, absorbed in a Pokemon battle but just made an insightful comment about his anti- anxiety meds. I thank God for him – with the tantrums and tears, with the battles and seemingly far off successes, I thank God for all children like my Noah. They are the hearts of the future. I am a better person, mom and teacher for having parented him !
    I love your posts – I learn so much ! With gratitude,
    Anne

  22. Claire

    Thank you so much. I cried while reading that article. While having ADHD and ODD I was THAT kid. Heck at 15 I still am that kid just on a more awkward level instead of violent. And you’re right I cried every night because I couldn’t figure out why the other kids didn’t like me. The worse was when I cried as soon as I got home because I found out that my gym teacher told the other kids that they could kick me off the team if I was being too difficult.

  23. I too was an even as an adult I’m That Kid ! I know how you feel and how hard you have to constantly question your words,actions, or feeling for and about another person, it seems to me that it’s family I find that has the most doubt about me and that hurt more then anything, it makes you truly alone! They will never believe it’s not an act, it’s just who god wanted me to be.

  24. Hana jae

    I am a kindy teacher and know that kid well! I also know that every kid is different I don’t believe there is anything wrong with any of them, there is always a reason for behaviours and often a way to counteract them. Always focus on ‘that kids’ strengths and positive behaviours, sometimes they are hard to find! But they are always there!

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  26. Ellie

    Good Morning From Australia

    I want to Thank you for writing tie above letter to the Teacher. My son was in the same situation. And I have sisters who are teachers who I have sent the letter to for them to read.
    But the reason I am writing this comment is that I hope you dont mind as I have changed your letter to the Teacher and put it in a format for and called it the Letter to the Bully.

    To “That Kid”, The Bully

    I see you bullying that kid. I see how you think your wonderful as you destroy the mindset of a wonderful person. But I want you to know as you walk out of the house at the start of your day and / school building at the end of the day, how you think you are so wonderful. You wave that kid goodbye with a smirk on your face and let out another thought of “another one bites the dust” and even laugh at the thought. But as soon as you finished you forgot what you have done as to you its just for a brief moment. And set upon the next prey.

    It’s not okay, you made someone’s life a misery but you have to remember for each child you bully they will send a message out in their daily thoughts of hatred. Also remember that Karma is BIG and its going to bit you in the you know what one day.

    I hear your words. I hear you telling the kids in your group how that kid is going to get a grilling from you and you all laugh about it. In fact, I heard that last year you did the same things, and I am sure you remember hearing all about it too. In some ways, it brings a bit of relief to know it isn’t just you, right? But do you care!! No!! Because of your own life you feel that you can bully another child to make you feel good.

    I want you know that I know exactly how you feel. I do, I promise. I am not here to judge you or to shame you . It is actually the complete opposite. I need you to get some help NOW before another child kills themself.

    And if you are truly human you will do something about your bullying before you are labelled and called something horrible and labels believe you me stick as life will never be the same again. Because at the end of the day you might as well have been standing there when the kid who killed themself pulled the trigger of the gun, took an overdose or hung themselves.

    I’d like to think that you are trying. I’d like to see it in your face, I’d see it in your posture. I know you a wonderful child but some days it just doesn’t feel like its enough, right? Some days, you just get a kick out of bullying others – your friends think you are cool. In fact you all think youre so cool.
    Take a breath, sit for a minute and read this. I have something you need to see. That kid that you keep bullying wants to tell you a few things today.

    Dear Bully!
    I know you feel that its cool to bully me, and I take everything you dish out. Do I push your buttons in all ways that make you think its okay to do what you are doing. But I need you to know its not okay. I need you to keep stop pushing, kicking me, sending me awful texts to me. I need you to STOP NOW.

    I know you feel its okay, I know if you did stop with all this bullying and really got to know all the kids you and your so cool friends bully each and every day, including me – then you would see we could all get along a lot better.

    But, please, I need you to stop this fighting NOW!! and to get to know me and the others. I can’t tell you with my words what I need you to know, So I need you – get to know me, the real me, the kid with the “red hair, the braces, the glasses, the nerd” and you might be surprised.

    Take that as my sign that I need you as a friend more than you need me as an enemy. You might be all I have. I know you do this to other kids in class. I need you to find my good qualities because those other kids don’t see them because of what you are doing.

    You might not see the difference today or tomorrow, but I promise, if you see that I value you as a friend – you might get to see something inside you and me that others will value instead of hate. And they will come to need you, you will realise that you can make a difference.

    Please!

    ~ signed “That Kid You Bully.“

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  28. Darcee

    I have “that kid”. He loves music and sings or hums all day. He’s funny and says the craziest funny things. He gave half his Easter candy to a younger child that didn’t get any “because my heart just hurt so much, mum.” He had a traumatic childhood before we adopted him and He worries about so many things and is desperately afraid of being left or forgotten. He’s a great soccer player and baseball player. But he can’t tolerate making a mistake and gets angry at himself. He cried and had a fit at school one day because he made a mistake on his Mother’s Day card and it was “not good enough for my mum.” Not that I would’ve minded, but he did. I wish people could know him when he’s feeling calm and secure. I wish he could feel calm and secure more often.

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