Wow - I am absolutely having the same situation. The kids in the neighborhood seem to migrate over to our part of the street (with very little supervision from their own parents). I find myself having to constantly stop arguments & solve problems, even for kids who aren't mine (which I am not a fan of and I ask them to go talk to their parents). What I like to do with my son when he comes home telling on someone or when I notice someone is playinbg inappropriately (including him), I call him inside and we talk about ideas on how he can solve his own problems. Then I let him go back out, try to solve his playing issues on his own, and if kids are still not behaving appropriately I will at that point intervene. If it is a situation that requires immediate attention in which my son or any other child can get hurt, I will step in right away and teach my son how to correct it himself the next time that may happen. I am sure that by talking to your son about how he can solve his own issues he will get the idea that you will not always be there- it's still ok for you to rescue him in certain situations I think, because that will make him feel secure and protected which is still important at their age.

You did the right thing! I would watch your son with this boy. i also tell my daughter to try and stick up for herself too. Has your son ever done martial arts this will sort out the bulllies! My daughter gets bitch bulies not a few days ago she said that a girl in her class kept pulling out her chair when she went to sit down and has done it on several occasions. I told her to ask the girl why she was being so horible and tell he to stop it the way she talks to her brother! If it continues i will talk to the teacher in your case the child or parents. GOOD LUCK

i *am* seriously considering taking him to karate this winter if I can find a class that isn't saturday morning. I like to give him (and me) a day off from getting up and racing out the door.
I know he'd really enjoy karate. thanks for reminding me = )