Rodney Hess
Aug 8, 20233 min
Hello, Super Moms! As the new school year is just around the corner, or may have even started for some, we're tackling a topic that's close to home for many of us: bullying. With our kids stepping back into classrooms, it's a tough subject that we can't afford to ignore. So, let's dive in, arm ourselves with knowledge, and stand up for our little ones. And remember, you're not alone in this. We're in this together, and together, we can make a difference.
First things first, we need to know what we're de
aling with. Bullying can take many forms, from physical and verbal attacks to psychological and emotional manipulation. And let's not forget about cyberbullying, the unwelcome guest in our digital age.
Ask Ema: "Help me understand the different forms of bullying and how to recognize them."
Physical complaints like tummy aches
Not wanting to go to school
Changes in behavior or mood
Remember, these signs aren't exclusive to bullying, but they're a good starting point for a deeper conversation with your child.
Ask Ema: "Help me start a conversation with my child about bullying."
Now, let's talk about empowering our children. We want them to feel confident and capable, even in the face of a bully.
Practice simple, direct phrases your child can use to tell someone to stop bullying behavior. Phrases like "Leave me alone," "Back off," or "That wasn't nice."
Ask Ema: "Help me create a list of responses my ch
ild can use when facing a bully."
Role-playing is a great way to build confidence. You can role-play the bully while your child practices different responses.
Ask Ema: "Help me create 'What If' scenarios to role-play with my child."
Teach your child to project confidence through body language. Practice looking people in the eyes when talking and holding their head
high.
Ask Ema: "Help me teach my child about positive body language."
If bullying continues, it's time to take it up with the school. Here's how to do it effectively.
Keep a record of all bullying incidents, including dates, times, locations, and what happened. This will be invaluable when reporting the bullying to the school.
Ask Ema: "Help me create a system for documenting bullying incidents."
Report the bullying to the school and provide all the information you've gathered. Ask what actions they plan to take and keep track of their response.
Ask Ema: "Help me prepare and write a script for discussing my child's bullying at school."
If the bullying continues despite reporting it to the school, it's time to escalate the issue.
Consider escalating the issue to higher authorities like the school district superintendent, the local school board, or even the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
Ask Ema: "Help me write a letter to the school district superintendent about my child's bullying."
If all else fails and the bullying continues, consider getting legal help. It's a last resort, but sometimes necessary.
Ask Ema: "Help me understand when and how to seek legal help for my child's bullying."
Bullying is a tough issue, but with preparation, open communication, and the right tools, we can help our children navigate these difficult situations. Remember, you're not alone in this. We're in this together, and together, we can make a difference.
Remember, Super Moms, it's not just about dealing with bullying after it happens, but also about creating an environment where bullying is not tolerated.