How Your Actions Help Your Child With Bullying

As parents, we are tasked with teaching our children how to be good citizens. They see us as examples. When it comes to bullying, you can also help them with the way you act.

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. For kids and parents, it can make the difference between a victim and a victor especially when it comes to bullies. Teach them to take care of themselves and they may prove to be too strong for a bully to handle.

The Truth about Bullies

Here are a few facts about bullies that you might not know. One, bullies are insecure people, even more so than the average child or teenager. In order to make themselves feel better, they pick on others, pointing out what they feel are weaknesses and exploiting them.

Second, bullies may have been bullied themselves. This is not to make you feel sorry for them, but to help you understand where they are coming from. It can be a factor in finding a solution. If a bully is terrorized at home, they may show their anger at school towards another child.

Third, a bully gains strength from terror. They are looking for control. A child that is easily manipulated allows the bully to get what they want.

Fourth, a bully doesn’t always look like you think they would. In the past, bullies were the bigger kids that used their size to intimidate others and threaten them with physical abuse. Today, bullies can be the popular student that disguises their threats as requests to your child.

Lastly, a bully can be anyone. Guys and girls practice hurting others. It can be an individual or a group of kids who attack a single child.

What you can do as a Parent

Set a good example. Some children naturally come with a bully-proof exterior because of the lessons they have learned at home. You can do the same for your child from this point on if you haven’t already.

Keep communication lines open – Children who have no one they can talk to often go it alone against bullies. If your child does experience it, they can talk to you and find a solution to the problem.
Foster acceptance of your child – A confident child is harder to terrorize. They accept who they are because the ones who love them have also accepted them. Encourage their hobbies and interests.
Help others – A child who sees their parents doing what is right and sticking up for others will likely do the same for a friend who is being bullied.
Use your mind – A child that sees their parents using their brains to solve problems instead of their fists will learn to diffuse situations in this way instead of resorting to violence.

Your child is watching you more than you think. Your actions may be the key to helping them avoid bullying attacks.