How to help a 6yo not be a bully?

[MO_Bookwyrm]

My 6yo 1st grader seems to be turning into a bully. We have been having problems behavior wise all year so far. We had them last year, but they got better as the year went along. This year it seems to be getting worse.

My DH and I are at a loss. We've spoken with the teacher, the school counselor, the principal. I don't know what to do anymore. I'm frustrated and upset and disappointed and....

He's a very bright child, and I have a feeling some of his behavior issues stem from boredom but not all. Or maybe that is root of it all...I just don't know.

We live in a very rural area, there are no gifted programs or schools. I have to work (and I work nights and sleep days) so homeschooling would be very difficult for us.

Any ideas, help, anything???

TIA

[ssh]

What is happening specifically and what are you doing about the incidents? Saying someone is becoming a bully could mean lots of things and each thing could need a different approach. Also how you teach social skills and manners would influence how you would approach helping your DS learn to be socially appropriate.

[MO_Bookwyrm]

Bully behaviors so far include: hitting, pushing, making fun of other students, variations on said.

We have tried incentives to be good (last year), we have tried taking away privileges, talking with him, listening to him, working with him.

Social skills and manners are usually taught by imitation in our house. DH and I do not tolerate rudeness. We will remind him gently about polite wording..."yes, ma'am/sir, please, thank you" whatnot.

The hard part about this is that he is a great kid. He's kind and generous. He (usually) shares well when playing with friends here or at their homes. I've watched him pick up things for random strangers at the grocery store with no prompting. Many other things that show me what a sweet little one he is...except at school.