We see it in the news and in real life itself, bullying is real and it could happen (or have already happened) to our children.
When your child is being bullied, it’s hard to do anything else except want to put a stop to it as soon as possible.
Bullying is a real social problem and your child needs the support of his family.
The answer isn’t storming to your child’s bully’s house and spewing threats to sue them. There are healthier steps to dealing with your child being bullied that are more beneficial for everyone involved.
Here are 5 steps you can take when your child is being bullied:
1. Listen to what your child has to say.
Being a great listener matters to your bullied child more than you realize. When your kid opens up about the bullying that happens in school, don’t jump into rage mode immediately, hear the child out no matter how painful it is to listen to them hurting.
Be supportive yet neutral and never blame your child for the bullying. The goal is to assure him of a safe space to communicate his feelings and what’s going on.
2. Don’t retaliate against the bully or his family.
Naturally, as parents, we want to look out for our kids and do what’s best for them. As tempting as it sounds to fight for them and get back at your child’s bullies or their parents, it’s not the best course of action. You need to model to your child that not all problems should be addressed with rage and violence.
Retaliation won’t solve the issue, nor make your child feel better. Take deep breaths and do not act based on reactive emotions of hurt and anger.
3. Guide your child on how to properly respond to the bullying
Bullies pick on kids who they know they can get a reaction from. Most bullying victims are children who get upset easily and take teasing too seriously. These kids also do not know how to stand up for themselves.
Guide your child on how to respond to these bullying tactics by not reacting at all. It won’t stop the bullying once and for all, but it won’t give the bullies the satisfaction, and your child can get away from the situation momentarily just enough to find someone to talk about it.
4. Bring it up to your child’s teachers or school administrators.
It is the school’s responsibility to stop bullying and many schools now are more aware and actively engaging to eradicate these bullying activities. Explain the need to do this to your child and let him know that he can take control over his situation and that he isn’t powerless.
5. Be on your child’s side.
Make sure to let your kid know that you are on his side. The child needs to understand that the blame isn’t on his shoulders and that you are there to support him all the way. Reaffirm him of his positives and gently coach him on how to do better next time if he played into the bully’s violence.
Read the full article by Empowering Parents here to learn more helpful steps to dealing with your child being bullied.
drniemczura says
Under wise guidance from a parent or trusted adult, children can be taught how to counter bullying. As a retired teacher, I never allowed that in my classroom. We learned to be kind to one another and positive. Thank you for a post on a tough subject. It is necessary to educate others.
Lisa Chan says
Teachers have some level of influence on bullying and I’m glad you never allowed any of it in your classroom. ?