Editor's note: This article on bullying at school contains some excellent
advice on how to prepare your child to resist bullying, including simple but
effective tips such as teaching them to "walk tall".
by Patricia Gatto
As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents are left to ponder
more pressing issues than notebooks, backpacks, and sneakers.
Will my child succeed this year? Will his academic and social growth meet my
hopes and expectations? Have I done everything I can to make this possible?
If you haven't prepared your child for the school bully, not only could your
dreams and aspirations end in failure, but your child could fall victim to the
violence, and suffer long-lasting repercussions.
Make no mistake; bullying is a form of violence. Experts estimate that almost
75% of today's youth will be involved in some aspect of bullying before they
enter high school. And chances are, your child will be among the statistics.
Humiliation, fear, anxiety and depression are the constant companions of a child
that is bullied. It can lead to harmful, shocking and unexpected behavior from
an otherwise shy or timid child.
Victims feel ashamed and tend to view themselves as failures. They are more
prone to stress related illnesses such as headaches and stomach aches. In
extreme cases, the victim of a bully can experience sever depression and
entertain thoughts of suicide.
Lack of safety is one of the top concerns of young people, and bullying is a
real and constant threat. A child's emotional development is just as important,
if not more so, than academic development. In fact, a safe, healthy emotional
environment is essential to academic growth and success.
How do you prepare your child for the school bully?
Become involved and make certain your school has active anti-bullying policies
in place. Disciplinary guidelines, procedures for investigating and reporting
incidences of bullying, adequate supervision, and an immediate plan of action to
address reports of bullying are key elements to a successful program.
Teach your child to walk tall and proud and to maintain eye contact. Portraying
a positive, self-confident stature will help your child cope in many areas.
Be certain to compliment your child and gently encourage changes that will
bolster self-esteem. Use positive words that validate his or her rights as a
person.
Use role-playing techniques to illustrate proper responses to negative
situations. This will build strength, courage and provide your child with
valuable emotional resources to pull from in times of trouble.
Help your child to identify role models, from sports heroes to everyday man.
Discuss the obstacles and accomplishments they endured, focusing on the
resilient human spirit.
Read stories together that inspire. Discuss how strength of character and
perseverance can achieve a positive outcome without resorting to violence or
force.
Encourage your child to keep a diary or journal, write poetry or songs. Writing
provides a safe outlet for your child and creativity and self-expression are
helpful tools used to work through negative issues.
If your child has difficulties making or maintaining friends, intervene -
friendships are a protection against bullying. Identify children that might have
things in common with your child and arrange a visit.
Encourage your child to join activities both in and out of school that will
result in friendships while building strength and confidence.
But most important, don't diminish your child's concern over a classmate's
taunting and teasing, it could very well lead to damaging repercussions.
Instead, prepare your child for the bully by empowering him with confidence and
self-esteem through your words, actions and embrace.
Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, the tale
of a lonely boy's magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As
advocates for literacy and children's rights, the authors speak at schools and
community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and
healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful
Productions at
http://www.joyfulproductions.com
Not a Morning Person? Tips to Make Your Mornings Easier and More Productive
Are mornings the hardest part of your day? Sometimes it's tough to get yourself
going no matter how much sleep you've had. And if you need to get your family
dressed, fed, and out the door with books, backpacks, and briefcases intact, it
can often be a challenging and gruelling morning.
Dealing With Difficult People
If you're human, you're going to be dealing with difficult people from time to
time - whatever your age. You'll find them at work, at home, at school, or even
while out shopping. While you'll likely to solve a problem with a relative or
friend differently than a stranger, there are also some universal ways of
communicating effectively with difficult people. Teachers and parents can learn
these techniques themselves, and start to teach them to kids, too.
Help Your Child Cope With
Moving Away
If you must move a great distance, you can help your child adjust to the idea of
moving and how to cope with their new life. Your goal will be to eliminate
apprehension and fears and get your children excited about all the new
opportunities that await them.
How To Help Your Child
Overcome Anxiety
Sometimes children act as if they don't have a care in the world, and other
times they may be overwhelmed with anxiety. Although children are not presented
with the stresses of adulthood, they do feel anxiety in the same way. Solving
these issues is not something to be taken lightly...
Helping Your Child Adjust
To Divorce
Children are usually hit hard by divorce and may not be able to fully grasp the
subject, blaming themselves. The helpful news is that you can do a lot to get
your child through this tough time.
Frugal Family Entertainment - How to Have Low Cost Family Fun
In the first few months of the year, money can be tight for many families as
they tighten the purse strings after the holidays. There are some great ideas
for family activities which won't break the bank in the article below.
Why You Should
Buy Magazines For Your Children
The modern world has given birth to a technical generation. Kids these days are
practically born with a games machine in their hands. They surf the net before
they can walk and they are glued to the television watching cartoons for hours.
However, there are still things we can do to make sure they have a wider
understanding of the world around them and there are so many magazines on offer
that are suitable for children.
Music Lessons For Your Child - 5
Things To Consider
In deciding on music educational activities for their children, parents need to
consider the age of the child, mode of instruction (group class vs. individual
lesson), and type of music instrument to be studied. Whether the instrument is
rented or owned, it must be of decent quality in order to achieve the desired
results.
A Moment Of Silence Please
Kids could benefit from learning to sit silently and do nothing. This is a skill
most people never develop but we could easily change that by allowing school
kids to sit and contemplate for twenty minutes or so. If they want to pray they
could do that, in their own way and silently, the way it should be done if
you're serious about it. Otherwise, we could give them some elevating thoughts
to ponder.
