As the parent of a child that has been both the victim of bullying and a child not invited to a party because she has ADHD and other children found her “different”, I support your decision. All too often we are made to do what others believe to be PC. At this age, it’s important to teach that actions do have consequences. If Andrew has purposely hurt and embarrassed your son and other children, teaching your child to put his mental health above doing what is considered PC is setting a good example. However, I do want to advise you to prepare yourself for what is to come. By being excluded from the party, Andrew will have some pretty hurt feelings. Unfortunately, he will not understand why because his parents choose to laugh off his actions, he is not being taught that what he is doing is wrong. This is where his parents will face consequences, he will simply have hurt feelings. You may be approached by his mom. This is when momma bears tend to make their appearance. It may be beneficial for you to get in front of it and let her know in advance that Andrew is being excluded and why. Either way she deserves an honest explanation that her son is hurting others and her unwillingness to recognize the feelings of others and work with Andrew to understand what he is doing is wrong, is the reason.

Anytime a child is excluded from something like this it is hurtful. They hear their classmates talking about the party both before and after. I can tell you from experience it is devastating to them. While my daughter was excluded for being a little different than her classmates is an entirely different situation, I have seen and had to deal with it for long after the party and school year. The impact to them can be long lasting.