It is hard for parents to believe that their child is a bully or being bullied, but it happens. This might be shocking, worrying, but it is the reality. Typically, some parents may act defensively to protect the kid, but that is not the right course of action to take.
You can stop bullying and make a difference as a parent.
Bullying is a serious concern among kids and even teens. Some children may have severe reactions, including low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Some may even have suicidal thoughts.
So, how can you deal with bullies and protect your children? Find out in this article.
Understand What Is Bullying
The first step towards stopping bullying is understanding what it is. Bullying is a form of physical and emotional abuse defined by the following characteristics:
- Intentional: a bully deliberately wants to hurt someone.
- Recurring: bullying happens repeatedly over time.
- Power imbalanced: bullies choose victims they perceive to be weak and vulnerable.
There are many behaviors that might be mistaken for bullying, though they require a completely different approach. It is essential to know the difference. Some policies and laws may have guidelines for defining bullying.
Bullying can occur in different forms, with varying levels of severity. It can include physical bullying, verbal bullying, relational bullying, or cyberbullying.
- Read the Signs of Bullying
Children may not tell you about bullying for various reasons. For instance:
- They may be ashamed of being harassed.
- They may fear retaliation.
- They do not think you can help.
- They do not intend to snitch.
Although your kids may not tell you outright that they are being bullied, they will occasionally show signs that give you a clue. The following may be signs that your kid is a victim of bullying:
- The kid is afraid to go to school.
- The kid does not like discussing anything about school.
- The kid does not want to take part in after-school activities with other kids.
- Your kid shows signs of physical distress.
- The kid uncharacteristically uses bad language.
- The kid had unexplained injuries and bruises.
So, what if your kid is the bully? Although parents would not want to see their kid acting mean, it is essential to know the signs that your kid may be the bully.
- Your kid needs to be in control all the time.
- The kid lacks empathy.
- Your kid taunts and teases other kids.
- Your kid wants to be popular among other kids.
- Your kid likes aggressive games.
It is essential to observe your kid for these signs and take the next step to help them.
- Talk About Bullying
Parents are not the only people who should know about bullying. It is important to keep your child in the know and teach them how to confront the situation. You can start the conversation by asking them to talk about their experience, what they know about bullying, and how they would react to such conditions.
- Model Behavioral Change
The best way to help your kid deal with bullying is to raise them positively. Your kids should grow up in a positive relationship.
Kids tend to learn from what they see and may act according to what they observe. Learn to model positive parenting. Do not use discipline methods that use a lot of power over your children. They may learn to use control over other kids or let other use power over them.
Accordingly, it is essential to keep the home environment safe and clean for your kid’s health. Keep your kids healthy and in top shape to stand up for their rights. Get the best reverse osmosis system explicitly engineered to keep away contaminations.
Households with quite a number of people should be safer for kids. The home environment w8ill determine how your kid grows.
- Teach Your Kids Social Skills
Kids should learn that their needs can be met without disrespecting others. Accordingly, kids should learn to stick up for themselves against bullies. Teach your kids to say words like:
“It is my turn.”
“I don’t like this.”
Roleplay with your children as you teach them how to join games at the playground. Introduce your kids to other kids or initiate game nights. Kids who can join groups tend to be observant and easily find a way to fit into a group instead of barging in.
Also, help your child learn how to join groups and clubs at school.
The Bottom Line
Bullying is becoming prevalent in schools, and you need to act swiftly to ensure your kid does not become a victim. Use these tips to ensure your kid is not bullied or bully others.
