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Young children often pretend to be in relationships with their friends, but one mum says her six-year-old is being pressured by another boy in his class, and it’s left him feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable.

The mum shared her story on the Mouths of Mums Forum, looking for advice from other mums on how to tackle the tricky situation.

“Last week my six-year-old son has come to me and told me that one of his classmates (a boy) has told him that he wants to marry him,” she wrote.

“The boy told him that two males can have a baby they just have to find a woman to make one. Today he said the boy said they are ‘boyfriends’ my son told him he did not want to be his boyfriend just his friend – the boy kept insisting until my son threatened to tell the teacher.

“Recently the school (primary school) had an assembly outlining that there was no room for ‘relationships’ at school and they were all there to learn. My son told us that he felt very embarrassed and uncomfortable.”

The mum says she’s now trying to navigate the situation with her husband.

“We actually know the student and his two mothers as they have been friends since pre school. My husband wants to speak to them directly but I am convinced it is a school issue. This is obviously a delicate topic but we don’t appreciate our son being put in a position he doesn’t want to be in.

“We are a conservative household. We don’t speak to him about having girlfriends or crushes on girls and believe he is way too young to be worrying about this sort of stuff.”

What’s your advice? Share it in the comments below, or head to the Forum

  • Seems a bit young to me.

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  • Aw they are so young, would they even understand what boyfriend even means at that age?

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  • Not sure how you’d handle such a tricky situation. I think it would be a good idea to see if the school can handle it delicately and to everyone’s satisfaction.

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  • I’m curious as how this mum followed up

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  • I’d raise it with the teacher if he’s uncomfortable.

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  • Oh dear they start of young dont they these days hahaha
    Yeah mum has to step in and stop this now

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  • If your child is very upset, then talk to the teacher about it, but I feel it will blow over and neither child will really be harmed.

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  • I think this is a good opportunity for both children to learn boundaries and what is acceptable and what is not.


    • Yes, it’s very important we as parents teach our kids about boundaries, consent and respect and this should be reinforced by teachers and school staff

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  • It should definitely be raised at school with the principal. If it’s already been said that there’s no relationships at school then that boy should listen, especially if the other party is not agreeable.

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  • If your son is uncomfortable, raise it with both the teacher and the other family. But don’t make too big a deal of it.

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  • Maybe approach the mothers of this boy and ask them to casually bring up the subject at assembly about no room for relationships at the school that they’re there to learn.

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  • Great opportunity to teach him that you dont get into relationships just because the other person wants one.

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  • Your son shouldn’t have to feel bad about a boy who won’t take no for an answer see the parents if they do nothing then off to the principle but I ish you good luck the way society is now they probably all think its ok very sad world we live in now

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  • At that age girlfriends and boyfriends are a common thing and not at all serious. Maybe it would be good to have a quiet word with the teacher and teach your son how to be assertive in these situations. It’s a chance to help him set boundaries with others. This is also a wonderful opportunity to discuss ‘consent’ – age appropriate of course and relevant to the current situation.

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  • So disturbing that a young boy feels uncomfortable. Maybe the school therapist/counsellor should be involved to try and diffuse the situation.


    • I agree; utilise supports at the school.

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  • It’s normal behaviour for young children to want to have “girlfriends” or “boyfriends” but since it’s making this boy uncomfortable and this other boy is taking no notice when he says no I think the matter may warrant a quiet chat to the other parents. If the other parents won’t take it seriously and it continues then to speak to the teacher and they can possibly have a general discussion in class (without identifying the children involved) to teach the children about consent etc. Most of all it’s important that this boy knows his parents take his feelings seriously and they make sure he knows he did the right thing by speaking up.

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  • What would you be doing if it was a girl saying that they are now boyfriend and girlfriend? And what would you prefer happened if it was the other way around, with your child being the one telling another kid thay they are “in a relationship”? Think about it then do that. If you still think that involving the teacher is necessary, do that. If you’d rather speak to the parents, do that. If you’d just let it go, then let it go. Don’t rely on internet strangers to tell you how to parent your child.

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  • Perhaps have a conversation with the teacher. She will be aware of class behaviour and can perhaps help navigate this.

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  • Sounds very uncomfortable. Not sure childre this age realise what being boyfriends entails

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  • It’s not that unusual for kids of this age to have “boyfriends” or “girlfriends”, and it’s really just a form of playacting. However, I agree that your son should not be put in a position he doesn’t want to be. I’d raise it with the teacher first.

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