Parenting
March 11, 2016
No parent wants to envision their child facing bullying. From birth, it’s instinctual for parents to protect their kids from all forms of pain. However, safeguarding them from bullying can be extraordinarily challenging. One mother learned this harsh reality when her young son, Max, became a victim of relentless bullying that ultimately led him to the hospital after expressing suicidal thoughts. At just eight years old, he was placed on suicide watch.
In a gripping Facebook post, Lisa Parker recounted the series of events that led to Max’s hospitalization, expressing her anguish towards the bullies and their parents. She explained that for some time, Max had been tormented by three older boys at an after-school program. Her post, accompanied by a poignant image featuring Max’s words—“Mom, they bully me so bad, I want to kill myself”—outlined her heartbreak and frustration over the situation.
“I’ve done everything I could to put an end to this, but no one took it seriously,” Lisa wrote. “I reached out to the program director, the parents, and even the bullies themselves. Yet the torment continued. I knew my son was struggling with depression, but I never realized how severe it had become. Eventually, Max reached his breaking point, and the weight of his despair became unbearable. Now, he is hospitalized and on suicide watch. I am furious. Furious that no one listened to us. Furious at the parents of these bullies for failing to guide their children, and in turn, failing my son.”
Her desperation and heartache are evident. It’s an overwhelming feeling for any parent to feel powerless when their child is being subjected to cruelty. This is why it’s essential for every parent to prioritize teaching kindness and empathy to their children, ensuring they do not become the bullies themselves.
“I’m infuriated that these parents didn’t instill confidence in their kids, enabling them to support others instead of tearing them down. I’m frustrated that the adults in charge failed to intervene. Most of all, I’m angry because I feel utterly helpless.”
As a parent of a child who faced bullying—though thankfully not to this extreme—this sentiment of helplessness is profoundly disheartening. The instinct to shield your child is innate, yet it can falter when they’re in environments where you cannot be there to protect them. It’s a significant leap of faith to trust others to treat your child with care. Unfortunately, Lisa’s faith was shattered until a wonderful community rallied around Max.
Lisa shared that Max’s soccer team provided vital support during this distressing time. Following her post, a local soccer club and their supporters, known as The Stars, reached out to offer assistance. As reported by News 9, a player from the team, Jake Evans, who had previously interacted with Max, took the initiative to connect with him. The Stars immediately invited Max and his family to attend their upcoming home game.
In an interview, a representative from The Stars, Sarah Johnson, mentioned that their relationship with Max would extend beyond this single event, stating, “He now has over 200 new aunts and uncles.” It’s uplifting to see such kindness, but it underscores a troubling reality.
In today’s climate, where public figures engage in petty insults, teaching our children the importance of respect is more crucial than ever. It begins at home and must be instilled in our children. If we fail to teach them kindness and discourage bullying, we are doing a disservice to society. The most vital lesson we can impart is one of compassion; without it, all our efforts for our children are in vain.
An update to Lisa’s post shared that Max has since returned home and is making progress. The support from the community has significantly impacted his recovery, reminding him that life is worth living. Nonetheless, it never should have reached this critical point. While we are grateful for Max’s positive turn, this situation serves as a critical reminder for all of us to take the issue of bullying seriously.
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Summary
The devastating impact of bullying forced an eight-year-old boy, Max, into crisis intervention after expressing suicidal thoughts. His mother, Lisa, shared her frustration over the lack of support from adults and the suffering inflicted by bullies. A local soccer team stepped in to provide community support, highlighting the importance of kindness and intervention in bullying situations. Max is now home and recovering, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against bullying.