Parenting Article: Help for a Kid who is being Bullied

Help for a Child who is being bullied

Too bad there's not a fast acting magical solution for your child when they encounter a bully. Like them saying, "Bully BEGONE!" and poof the bully is gone. As far as bullies go I do not support the line that defeat can only make you stronger. Let's face it going against a bully can be stressful. And it can be even more stressful knowing it can happen again. I take a hard line against bullies. Their unacceptable behavior should not be tolerated. There is no excuse for bullying another, harassing or intimidating a classmate, or tormenting a younger kid. Even if a bully's home life is difficult that does not give them the right to make life difficult for other children. So what can your child do when faced with a bully?

#1- Have them avoid situations where they could encounter bullies. They should not hang out where they hang out. Avoid them. When walking home take a different route. And walk with a friend or a group. For if there is only one bully and six other kids, the bully is out numbered if the other kids stick together.

#2- Your child should not let another child frighten them into giving them their money/having to do another kid's homework/etc. If this happens your child needs to go tell an adult/teacher. If the bully says, "It is my word against yours." Well, guess what, once an adult is told the bully now has a record that they did X. This will be helpful for any other future intimidating this child does. If the harassment continues go see the principle. Protect your child.

#3- You might not agree with me but I have seen this work: Enroll your child in a self defense class for confidence. Empower your child. Bullies like to go after kids who are weaker than them. When looking for karate or judo classes ask if they also work on self confidence. You can talk to the teacher about what your child is going through. Sometimes it can be helpful for a child to talk to an adult they admire and respect about a bullying problem. Especially if this adult went through the same problem as them as a kid.

4#- This can work in some cases if you know the bully and their parent yourself. And where your school might not take an assertive stand on bullies or where it is just happening in your neighborhood. Have a calm talk with the bully and their parent. By showing you are emotionally in control shows you are being reasonable and logical about the situation. If you yell at the bully or their parent that will give them an excuse to tune you out. You want to help your child not make things worse. Plus, there are times when parents are not aware their child is bullying other kids. This may be because the bully is getting away with it by scaring kids with their hush up method (if you tell anyone you will be in more trouble). So it is important to let a parent know if their child is bullying another. But again I repeat do not yell your complaint to the other parent. People do not like to be yelled at. I believe you will get further trying to be calm as possible when you explain the situation.