My last but no means least, Guest Blogger for this week … saving my bacon is the amazing Kate from Family Fever. Kate lives in Devon with her husband and 3 gorgeous children. Kate blogs about life with her Children and always has something super duper to read!
Protecting Your Child From Bullying
As your children grow up and start school, bullying is something that you may well have to deal with at some stage during their school life. So what can you do to protect your child from bullying, and what should you do if the worst happens and your child does get bullied?
The most important thing to do, before your child starts school, is to sit down and talk to them about bullying in a way they can understand. Tell them that children may tease them, or make fun of things they do, and that if this happens the best thing they can do is to WALK AWAY. Tell them that the bullies will soon give up if they do not get a reaction. Encourage your child to form strong friendships so she has someone to turn to if she needs to.
Make sure your child knows that sometimes, bullies persist. If this happens, make it clear that she needs to go to an adult. Whoever she feels comfortable with – be it you, an older sibling, another relative, a teacher, dinner lady or even a peer supporter. Never dismiss what your child tells you, and always take it seriously.
Do everything you can to ensure your child will not be an immediate target in the playground. I don’t mean buy them all the latest ‘trendy’ kit or encourage them to be a bully themselves – I mean teach them good, strong social skills. Teach them to be confident in themselves and to be proud of who they are and what they believe in. Ensure they know it is most definitely okay to be different. Encourage friendship bonds – maybe arrange play dates or out of school clubs to make sure your child has good friends he or she can turn to.
Sadly, bullying is a fact of life, and is something most children will experience, on some level, during their school years. The best thing you can do as a parent is make sure your child knows this, and knows that they can ALWAYS come to you and talk to you about it, and that you will always take their concerns seriously. It is all about open parenting, being there for your child, and teaching them good life skills which will allow them to deal with the bullies in the correct manner, and come out the other side.
If you enjoyed reading Kate’s post why not pop over to Fever Family and read some more, or you can also find Kate over on Facebook and Twitter too!
Great post, unfortunately my stepson was bullied for the majority of his primary school years. We tried time and time again to get it to stop and my Husband spoke to the school but the teacher would just say he was being hypersensitive which didn’t help, certainly not when he was coming home covered in bruises 🙁 he is at a new school now and so far seems happy.
oh my goodness, that so awful and shouldn’t happen to anyone. I cant believe that in this day and age schools can let their children down so drastically.
I am hoping your stepson settles with speed into his new school and he no longer expediences this again! xx
Great advice. It’s also important to recognise that your child can sometimes become a bully, or part of a bullying circle of children and you may have no idea about it. Teaching them right and wrong and to have their own opinion, even if it doesn’t go with the crowd is vital. Kids will often become part of a circle and do anything just to fit in even if they know it is not right. Teaching them it OK to be different and to spread love and not hate.
I think your totally right, teaching our children that following their peers in any situation is the best move. xxx
Wonderful post! Bullying is an important issue and self confidence does lie at the bottom of teaching your child to stand up for themselves!
Maria
http://www.musicteachingandparenting.com
thanks Maria, I totally agree its still so taboo really but really shouldn’t be x
Great post and sound advice. I think installing as much confidence into your children as you can, and ensuring they know they are happy and safe in their home environment will help them greatly. Also trusting that you’ll take things seriously if they come to you for help.
We had an incident on my 4yo’s third full day in reception, she was distraught and I told her we’d talk to the teacher as soon as we got to school the next morning. I made sure she was with me and could see me talking to her teacher. It turned out to be a misunderstanding, got nipped in the bud straight away, and wasn’t a problem for anyone concerned afterwards. I think had I sent her into the classroom, and spoke to the teacher alone she might have worried about it unnecessarily.
Where possible, I think it’s best to get to the root of the problem as soon as it is a problem. I was bullied at two of my eight schools when I was growing up, and really hope I could spot the signs if it happens to any of my kids. You just never know though! Bullying is one of my worst fears as a parent 🙁
awww honey, what a nightmare there was that misunderstanding on her 3rd Day. I think it is truly one of the most important things any child can learn about .. xxx