PerpetuallyTired

We’re in a similar situation: my son (4y) is loves to play with the kid across the street (4.5y). But this kid is a downright bully: he says mean things to my kid, purposely excludes him, and once even spat in his face. I absolutely cannot stand it, and the parents do nothing (if they’re even around). I’ve intervened on things that aren’t safe and are obvious verbal jabs at my kiddo, but it never stops.
Do I need to have a talk with the parents? Like I said we’re neighbors, and there’s no real avoiding this playtime. I was hoping my son would pick up on this other kids’ jerk behavior, but so far no such luck.

Signed,
Mom who wants to punt the neighbor boy into next Tuesday (not really but sort of, don’t come for me please 😅)