How your child handles situations in their youth can give them the confidence to be leaders later in life. By taking tough situations and making the best of them, your kids can develop inner strength and resolve that will prove invaluable as adults.
One tough issue that many kids have to deal with is falling victim to bullies. Bullies can be boys or girls, but girls generally bully in groups – especially as they get older. Bullies pick on other people to feel better about themselves. Getting a reaction is their primary goal. Getting someone upset or making them scared is what gives them their power and encourages them to continue.
If someone is calling your child names, picking fights, pushing, teasing, yelling, scaring or stealing from them, then they are being bullied. It can make it hard for your child to walk home, get on the bus, have lunch, and enjoy recess among many other things. If you notice a change in behavior with your child, such as angry outbursts or tears at home, it’s time to talk about it. You can help your child develop skills and strength to get past a bullying situation.
It’s important for your child to know why bullies are singling them out. Many times bullies are acting out because they have a rough, angry or unsupportive home life. Bullies tend to pick on those who can't or don't want to fight back. They may also pick on someone who they are envious of in some way. Your kids may be a source of jealousy if they seem happy, do well in school, and have a generally good home life. Remind your child that bullies frequently don’t have many friends, and a lot of their friends will get sick of the behavior and find someone else to hang out with.
Teach your child some ways to get over the bully situation. Above all, let them know they can stick up for themselves. Tell them:
Bullies will move on to someone else who isn’t as much trouble if they find your child standing firm. In return, your child will gain confidence by confronting someone they might have been scared by at one time. It’s a great life lesson to learn.
