Hey everyone, before we begin, I just want to remind you to please check out my new

No Bad Kids Master course.

You can find out all about it at nobadkidscourse.com.

Hi, this is Janet Landsbury and welcome to Unreffelt.

Today I'm answering a question from a mother who's worried that her son's behavior on the

playground is evolving from age-appropriate rough housing to aggressive bullying.

So here's the question I received.

Dear Janet, thank you so much for your wonderful books and podcasts and the consultation

I did with you a couple years ago after the birth of my younger son, all of which have

helped me beyond measure in moving closer to being the parent I hope to be.

Over the past year I've noticed my son getting into name-calling and fighting type play

particularly when he is with certain friends of the park.

For example, when one particular child comes to the park, he and another friend will call

that child names and provoke some physical fighting or pushing, etc.

I know rough housing can be totally fine under some circumstances, for example, wrestling

is described by teacher Tom, but that is not what this is.

I don't want to label, but this looks like the beginnings of future bullying behavior

to me.

The other child can also be rough, but is not enjoying this play, and my son and his

friend are basically targeting him.

I do not allow it to continue, and I tell my son we will have to go home unless he stops.

I'm able to redirect him each time, but it takes a lot of work, and I know there have

...