Helping your child with bullying matters
This a topic that can be very real for your child. Being in a school setting sets your child up to being exposed to many and varied situations. As a parent, it is best to notice changes in your child that may indicate being unsettled at school. The following ideas talk about how you can offer some preventative measures to avoid bullying. They will strengthen your child, enabling them to have more confidence when confronting a bullying situation.
Open Communication Channels:
Example: Create a safe and judgment-free space for your child to talk about their day and feelings. Ask open-ended questions like, "How was school today?" to encourage conversation. Don’t be surprised when they start talking about a difficult conversation.
Teach Empathy and Kindness:
Example: Model empathy and kindness at home and discuss the importance of treating others with respect. Share stories about acts of kindness or volunteer together as a family. Affirm effort of kindness when you see your children
Recognize Signs of Bullying:
Example: Be aware of behavioural changes in your child, such as mood swings, withdrawal, or a sudden loss of interest in school. Keep an eye out for unexplained injuries or damaged belongings.
Educate Your Child About Bullying:
Example: Talk to your child about what bullying is, its different forms (verbal, physical, cyberbullying), and why it's wrong. Encourage them to report any incidents to a trusted adult. Particularly their teacher.
Boost Self-Esteem and Resilience:
Example: Praise your child's strengths and accomplishments. Help them develop self-confidence and resilience by involving them in activities where they can excel and gain a sense of achievement.
Empower Your Child with Strategies:
Example: Teach your child strategies to handle bullying, such as assertive communication, seeking help from teachers or school counsellors, and the importance of having a support system of friends.
Be well connected to the school:
Example: Always speak regularly to your child’s teacher to gauge how socially well your child is coping. Often the teacher will pick up issues before you will notice a change in your child. Also the school will often run information nights on managing bullying issues.
Finally, every child, from time to time, will be challenged socially. Sometimes they can manage it, and other times we need to be able to offer some advice and assistance. Just remember that you are not about taking over the problem but assisting them in putting it right. Most importantly, it is to be a great listener and a parent who understands how to walk with them when working through these issues. They will thank you in later years for your strong presence.
‘Every child has the right to feel and be safe. As a parent make it happen’.
-Gail J Smith