How to Bully-Proof your Kid

As a parent, we want to protect our kids from anything that can harm them or affect their emotional and physical being. However, as much as we want to be with them 24/7, there are times we need to let them be by themselves like going to school, where they interact with other students including bullies.

Sad to say, bullies are part of our society today. We might not all be capable of stopping them, but there’s something we can do about – Make our kids Bully-proof!

First, we would like to point out some hints if your kid is being bullied:
• Does your kid come home with torn clothes, damaged books, and with missing stuff?
• Does he/she like to talk about school?
• Do you notice any bruises, scratches, and cuts that he/she can’t explain?
• Is he/she excited to go to school or attend any outdoor school activities?
• Does he/she take the long route to and from school?
• Does he/she show unpleasant mood swings?
• Do you often catch him/her having a bad dream?

There are other ways to identify a victim of bullying. If you notice your kid showing any of these signs, you must act immediately. How?

1. Have a one on one talk with your kid. The child might refuse to tell you everything in one shot. Take it slow and let the kid open up by giving him/her assurance that everything will get better. Let the child feel you are on his/her side.

2. Once bullying is confirmed, set a meeting with your kid’s school adviser. Do not head to the other concerned party right away. With the thought of your kid being harmed, some moms may probably look like they’re coming in for a war. I know how moms can be over protective, but it is better to settle the issue in civil manner.

3. Spend more time with your kid. Accompany him/her to school at least once a week and see who she/he hang out with. Make friends with his/her friends.

4. Give him/her a slight idea of what bullying is and how to deal with it positively.

What’s your take on this? Feel free to share your thoughts!