Bullying

Older Brother raised his fist above Little Sister's head. She cowered. He laughed. No one saw it. Little Sister slipped away to her room and shut her door to play with her dolls.  

She acted out her hurt. Monster doll hit Baby Doll and sent Baby Doll to her room.

How many situations of this type are enacted in homes throughout the world?  The societies that devalue women are becoming less and less as young people travel the globe to learn about emancipation. Humanitarian groups give aid and support to developing third world countries and teach them about equality for everyone.

Schools and society have adopted a no tolerance stance on bullying. But all too often dynamics like the situation above are acted out in homes, the play ground, and in schools where no adults are present.

Be aware of what's going on around you. Watch your children and be conscious of their relationships.

Help kids:

1.      Discuss bullying problems.

2.      Stop bullying if they see it.

3.      Talk to a grown up to solve a bullying situation.

4.      Hang out with friends that are nice to each other.

Talk with your children about the reasons kids bully and help your children understand the dynamics. Sometimes kids bully because they are bullied at home by a parent or sibling. Kids bully because their friends do. They bully because other kids bullied them They bully because their parents don’t pay attention to them. Kids bully because they have been hurt.

*Model kindness for your children.

*Help them learn to be compassionate.

*Involve them in service projects.

*Talk about how others feel and help kids develop empathy.

*Teach them assertiveness skills, like standing up straight, looking others in the eye.

*Give them opportunity to develop their talents and become the best they can be.

Let's make the world a kinder place by continuing to add light and love to our sphere of influence. Bullying is on its way to being eradicated. Let's hasten the process by doing our part.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. Martin Luther King, Jr.