‘My [son] has said for a few years that he doesn't like his first name but for the last year he has been getting teased at school,’ the Mumsnet user explains in her post.
The family, who live in France, send their kids to a French-speaking school where bullies have been teasing her boy because his name sounds like it spells out the letters of a vulgar French curse word.
She goes on to say he has picked two different names, but doesn’t seem settled on either one, and that her husband is not convinced a name change is even necessary.
‘I would be completely happy for him to change if he wants to, but what concerns me is the reaction of everyone else
‘Does anyone have any advice?’
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While some people suggested that he could change his name to a nickname or a middle name that is harder to make fun of, others wisely said that if the bullies are determined they’ll find a way to tease someone about pretty much anything.
‘Have you spoken to the school about this? If he's going to be at the same school it's not going to make a difference as these bullies already know his name and have already decided he's a target,’ wrote one.
Another suggested that the mum practice responding to the bullies with her son: ‘"So?" repeated ad infinitum is a good starting point.’
‘Bullies are bullies, they pick on anyone who gives them the reaction they are looking for.’
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Others say let him switch if that’s what he wants.
‘Let him change it. Yes I don't agree with giving in to bullies, but making him stick with it for that reason isn't fair. That's his decision, not yours as he has to live with the consequences,’ one wrote.
Another added that it wouldn’t be the end of the world if they did change his name: ‘A friend of mine changed their name aged about 11. It went really well, there was some adjustments to be made but everyone accepted it without question.’
If your kid was getting teased about their name would you let them change it?
This article first published on New Idea.
