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.
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