FollowBullying- What You Should Know
Dear Parents-
Bullying is one of the hardest things we will witness our children go through. It can make you feel very helpless. Unfortunately it is more common than not. It is important that we teach our children how to cope with such negativity in their lives and how they can potentially overcome it.
I think one of the biggest things parents must teach their children is the reasons why it is wrong and how it can affect an individual. If a child is doing this to someone tell them an age appropriate effect. Tell younger kids how it makes children sad. Older kids may be surprised about the long term effect (self-harm or suicide).
Another huge aspect of bullying that parents must address is that it is okay to let your child fight for themselves. If the parents are constantly fighting their children’s battles, their children will not know how to cope with the situation. It may also intensify. Fighting for themselves will be one of the most essential lessons and skills that they will acquire in life–for all types of situations. It is more than okay to be involved with the school to address bullying, but do not become involved with the person who is doing this, no matter how tempting it may be.
Finally, children must understand that bullying is NOT part of growing up. However, it can easily serve as a teachable moment. Parents can help teach them how they can appropriately ward off bullies. Every parent may have their own style of doing so, but some common things to advise them could include ignoring the bully, sticking up for themselves, and telling an authoritative person about the encounter and the individual or individuals that are bothering them.
By teaching your child to stick up for themselves they will build confidence and be less likely to experience this situation. It has become such an epidemic in this world and it needs to come to an end…NOW.
Were you bullied when you were in school? If so, what steps did you take it to stop it from happening?
