Teaching Your Child NOT To Be A Bully

It is very difficult for most parents to process the news of their child being a bully. While it may sadden some parents, others may remain in shock. The correct way to deal with this issue is to act immediately rather than wait for the right time.

Bullying can be verbal as well as physical and if not stubbed at once, it may lead to a very aggressive behavior in future which could be termed as antisocial and hamper your child’s success at school as well as his friendships.

Understanding the Causes:

There are many reasons which prompt kids into bullying. Most feel stronger or important by picking on someone physically or emotionally weaker. They do so because of their own insecurities. Many of them do not even know that doing so is unacceptable.

Kids who are exposed to aggression in family, unkind interactions or disturbing behavior at home, especially when they see the weak being defeated, they copy the behavior elsewhere.

Some kids are unable to manage anger, frustration and other strong emotions. Such kids get extremely aggressive when provoked or are emotionally hurt. Professional counselling helps them deal with emotions and controls the urge to bully.

Helping Kids Overcome:

Once you understand the reason for such behavior, try talking to them and make them see and appreciate the way other kids deal with their peers. Let them know that such behavior is unacceptable at home and in society and there will be serious consequences if not controlled. Always try to make them understand yourself before seeking professional help.

Useful Tips

1. At any point if you see your child bullying, stop it right there. Let kids know that such behavior will not be tolerated at home or elsewhere. If you notice frequent occurrences, set rules of conduct and decide upon an apt punishment for not following the same.
2. Teach them to ignore or walk away from a situation rather than being aggressive.
3. Make kids understand that differences of culture, religion, gender, standard of living and appearance are not something to be laughed at or ridiculed. Teach kids to respect others and to treat them with kindness and compassion. Also teach them never to pick on someone with special needs or anyone who is emotionally or physically weaker than them.
4. Get involved by visiting the school or sports club your kid visits. Speak with the teacher, coach and mingle with rest of the peers to know if your child is facing any pressures at school. You will know if any other kids bully, maybe your child’s peers and accordingly you could take steps to curb similar behavior in your child.
5. Always appreciate and praise your child’s good behavior as doing so will encourage them to be good at all times.
6. Retrospect on your own behavior and also the situation at home. Try and bring all aggression down and never let it come out in front of your kids since kids follow by example.