When you hear of a child being bullied, you usually assume it's by other children.
That's why Rochelle Mara was horrified when, watching her 10-year-old boy Eljae play rugby league in Auckland recently, she overheard parents on the sidelines marginalising him.
“Look at number eight – he’s slowing the team down. He shouldn’t be on the team – he’s a big boy,” were just some of the upsetting comments that Rochelle overheard about her son.
“It really got to me,” she told TV NZ.
Rochelle took to Facebook to share her thoughts on the appalling incident, and her comments will bring tears to your eyes.
“Dear Parents on the Sideline,” she began.
“Number 8, Eljae. My boy. The one you so freely stood on the sideline this morning laughing at. The one you were talking about being a ‘big boy’ and not ‘an asset to the team.’ The one you laughed at for not being able to run as fast as your kid.”
“Obviously not realising I, his mother, was standing right next to you listening to everything you were saying – until I told you. Ha! You couldn’t move to the other side of the field fast enough.”
Despite the lack of support from the sidelines, young Eljae is a real star on the pitch, according to his coach.
And he’s only been playing for four weeks!
“He’s changed since he came – from a quiet kid to outspoken and he’s really a part of the team,” he told TV NZ.
Meanwhile, mum Rochelle took the opportunity to remind the parents judging her boy that he’s doing his absolute best, and how many adults can say they do that every day?
“Can I just remind you, Eljae is out there training with his TEAM twice a week, he turns up every weekend to play alongside his TEAM, the same team your kid plays for! Eljae is out there on that field supporting your son in the game just as I’m out on that sideline supporting them – your son included!”
“I’m all for having your own opinions and freedom of speech but when you use this right to talk sh*t about my son please don’t expect me to stand there and take it.”
“For a kid who never played rugby prior to four weeks ago, he’s doing a damn good job and I tell him this every week. He does not need your negativity.”
What a post!
We know it’s not healthy for children to be overweight, but bullying a child over their size is just plain wrong. Parents on the sideline: grow up, and be positive role models for your kids. Please.
