Obviously no one enjoys being bullied, and no parent wishes that upon their child. However, the reality is that in school systems, bullying is common and it is more likely than not that at some point in their lives, your little one(s) will experience bullying on some level - emotional, physical or otherwise. Here are a couple of ways you can help alleviate the pain of the situation, and be a supportive parent throughout this difficult time.
Simply Paying Them Extra Attention
Of course if the bullying is extreme, especially in the case of dangerous physical violence, you’re going to need to report it to someone in authority, such as a teacher or principal. However, in the case of simple teasing, in which case not much action can be taken, being a strong pillar of emotional support is all you can do. Tuck your child into a cot at night and perhaps sing them a lullaby or read them a bedtime story - so that they feel that extra care, which might make up for the less-than-loving treatment they are experiencing when amongst their peers.
Buy Them A Simple Gift
Another way of showing you care might be to get your child a small present, just to help them get through the tough times. This does not by any means have to be extravagant. In fact, it is better if the item is a small, personal object that they can grow attached to, and feel comforted by during tough times. Dolls are great gifts for kids and can often help fill the void they may feel due to emotional difficulties at school.
Help Them To Laugh At The Situation
The best thing you can do in a situation such as this? Turn that frown upside down! Elisabeth Stitt explains how and why you should turn the taunt or bit of teasing they are experiencing into something that can be laughed at instead. If they see it as comical, they will be far less hurt.
“Most kids can just laugh. Again, practice it with your kid. First demonstrate: Have them insult you and then just laugh at what they have said. I had one kid who was really good at laughing and then following up with a blank stare. It left the other kids completely nonplussed. They really had no idea how to proceed from there.
Making a joke can be hard because it requires kids to think on their feet, but if you have a very verbal or punny kid, it could be just the tool:
Maria: You’re not a good dancer!
Mira: How did you know Ms. Kltuz was my middle name?
Or
Kevin: You can’t play with us. Go away.
Howard: I can’t? Really? Oh, that’s right! I put on two left feet this morning. That’s okay. Just put me on the left side of the field and I’ll be fine.
This works because kids don’t know how to deal with this kind of answer, and they will let the joker play rather than try to outwit him.”
Teaching your child how to laugh at themselves will help them out in life, as sometimes taking things seriously won’t get you anywhere. Check out Elisabeth on Facebook as well!
It is definitely useful to know how to help your children combat bullying as well as anxiety attacks as these are common occurrences for some kids growing up. If you can be a support system for them and serve as a pillar of strength, they will find it far easier to get through the difficult period known as adolescence.
