The greatest fear parents have is not being able to protect their children. The concerns range from physical bullying to psychological abuse experienced through social media.

 

Finding solutions to bullying is the best way to empower children and build their confidence. Simple strategies that work include:

 

• Request the school take immediate anonymous action. Go to the school and request a bully check. Suggest that at roll call the class teacher asks the whole class to write the name(s)of bullies on a small piece of paper. Children that are not bullied are to write ‘NO ONE’ so that everyone is writing a short word. This small piece of paper is then handed directly to the teacher. No child will know what another child has written so the bully cannot guess who ‘dobbed’ them in. This sends a message to bullies that they will be caught, it won’t be tolerated, it is safe to report and that there are consequences.

 

• Don’t show emotion. It's natural to get upset by the bully, but that's what bullies thrive on. It makes them feel more powerful. Tell your child to practice counting to 10 and breathe deeply when they are upset -even at home - writing down their angry words and walking away. Teach kids to wear a "poker face" until they are clear of any danger (smiling or laughing may provoke the bully).

 

• Always walk away and ignore the bully. Firmly and clearly tell the bully to stop, then walk away. Practice ways to ignore the hurtful remarks, like acting uninterested or texting someone on your cell phone. By ignoring the bully, you're showing that you don't care.

 

• Avoid the bully and use the buddy system. Tell your child to have someone with them so that they are not alone with the bully. Buddy up with a friend on the bus, in the hallways, or at recess -wherever the bully is. Tell your child to offer to do the same for a friend.

 

• Be aware of your parenting style at home. Children that have healthy home communication are less likely to bully or be bullied. Very authoritarian (controlling) parents tend to teach their children by their actions - force wins and submission loses. Children in those environments tend to bully their peers because they ‘see it working’ at home. Or they are submissive and are attractive to bullies -again because they must submit. Adopting a more authoritative -negotiating – style of parenting is a family protective measure. For example, rather than giving a fixed order on when something needs to be done perhaps provide a 10-minute buffer to let children feel they are part of the decision or let children decide what of two ‘duties’ they want -dishes or bin?

 

Dealing with bullying can erode a child's confidence. Having strategies at home and at school that are rehearsed and promoted makes a bully’s job harder.

 

 

Next week ….. Women need resistance and men need cardio

Strategies that deal with bullying

Disclaimer

The article below is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace professional advice. For health related information please consult a health professional prior to commencing any program including a exercise or dietary program.

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