These last two weeks Bubba have been some of your hardest yet.  Though perhaps I am shortchanging you. Maybe it has been closer to 3 or more. Or if we are honest, the last couple of years.

I digress though. The last few weeks you have been systematically pulled down by your peers. Classmates, older girls and worse yet, people you call your friends. We know you have had a bad day by your demeanour, your quickness to snap and your loss of vitality. It is one of the hardest things I have had to watch (who knew this parenting caper would be so hard?!). And now you want to change your name to Riley. Nice name, but not the name you have truly grown into and which we will see in lights one day!

Sure, where I can I help. A hug here, advice there, and I have even spoken to some of the perpetrators (A boy who ripped your “squishy” in half) and watched and listened as you tell me that he no longer is mean to you. But sadly, I know I cannot fight all your battles. You will learn nothing that way. But neither will you shine if we let people get on top of you.

So here’s the thing you need to know

Even in your weakest moments, you are stronger than all the people who are mean to you. I know it will not make any sense to you now but I am working to show you the inner workings of why this statement holds true.

The fact of the matter is, people who pick on you are being weak. People who pick on anyone for that matter are not in control of their emotions. They do not know how to express how they truly feel or regulate what they are thinking and as a result, they lash out to hurt others.

They are showing their vulnerable and not in control.

Conversely (meaning the on the opposite hand) and this is the hard part to understand when you are being picked on and you learn from it, and you don’t sink to their level, you are stronger. You are the better person. And you are not letting it get to you. That makes you strong.

There are so many wonderful people in the world, the trick is to be with them more and with the ones who hurt you less! Be with the people who make you feel good!

At the moment, sure it hurts, yes it upsets you and yes it seems the world is against you. BUT I assure you, we are (as a family) in this together. And you are I schnooks, are TEAM PANDA! We will let nothing beat us. We are a force and we will achieve all your dreams.

I know my words will never take all the hurt away, but what I hope is one day, they show you I have been and always am, in your corner, ready to fight the world with you and show them that you really are Awesome.

I love you, Stay strong and stay open to others. I am always here when you need. This Panda is watching over you!