Is there a Bully in your Child's Life?

Imagine your child coming home with bruises, scared, crying and tells you someone is bullying him at school?

He's afraid to go back.

This must be a parent's worse nightmare.

For many, many parents this is a reality. More than 30% of kids between 6th grade and 10th grade report having bullied or been bullied.

What do some Schools do?

They suspend anyone who takes part in any type of physical contact (i.e fighting, pushing, etc), even if it's done in self-defense.

I don't know every School's standpoint and how they deal with this issue but kids should not be punished for protecting themselves. Especially after having talked to the teacher, principal, and warned the actual bully to stop harassing them.

What is the child supposed to do?

Let him or herself get picked on?

Let themselves be intimidated and bullied for the rest of their school life?

The line has to be drawn at some point.

I've had many long discussions with parent's about this issue, many feel helpless and abandoned by the teachers who don't seem to do anything about it.

You need to arm your child with a secret weapon: Self-Esteem

How do you acquire more of that you might ask?

1) Tell them you love them every single day.
2) Let them know you'll always listen if they have something to tell you.
3) Give them small responsibilities and expand on them when they stay committed to them.
4) Let them Master something. Get them enrolled in something physical. Something that will bring them better control over their bodies, as well as an emotional outlet.
5) Next time you plan something as a family, let them decide what you're gonna do.

These will get you started on the right track.

Next time I'll let you know about a recent radio interview we had on CBC Radio on effective Anti-Bullying Tactics.

Until then,

Keep your kids safe and empowered,

Sibok Martin