Hi, I hope your son settles better in his new school and I wish you both luck. I think it is just as hard for a parent, if not worse? My Mum was like a brick for me she was my best friend - and still is. She was always there for me and would be a shoulder to cry on. We never really did much family stuff as my Father was an alcoholic so our family outings would be to the pub!

I used to go dancing at the weekend and had my own friends at dancing. I also went ice skating and roller skating after school where I had out of school friends - I found it easier to make friends out of school. Perhaps your son could do some out of school activities. My son who is also very shy goes to a drama club on a saturday which helps build confidence and he has made some good friends there. Or maybe he could go to a music club. I played the clarinet and was in the school band where at rehersals I would be accepted (just not in the playground!)

Thinking back now and watching my son at school I don't know whether I was teased because I didn't have the latest hair style or the new Nike trainers, bomber jacket etc? which is what I thought at the time But my Mum couldn't afford to buy me the latest "in" stuff, or whether it was just me? and something I had to go through to become a better adult?

Whatever the reason I think just being there for him and keeping him happy out of school is pretty much all you can do as a parent.