Parents: Helpful Hints to be in Touch

As I have stated earlier in the blog, when children finally report the bullying problem, it is usually to their parents first and then teachers (Michael & Manocha, 2011).  It is very important for parents to be in touch with their children and their children’s surroundings.  I am passing along some Do’s and Don’ts developed by Michael and Manocha (2011) for parents to keep in mind when they are helping their children with bullying. 

 

Do Not:

Ø  Tell your children to ignore what is going on.  Ignoring it may work the first time, but a persistent bully will not let it go and the situation will become more serious.

Ø  Point the finger at the child and assume they brought this on themselves by provoking someone else that is doing the bullying.

Ø  Encourage the child to retaliate; this usually will have the whole situation escalate into something larger and dangerous.

Ø  Disapprove on how your child dealt with the bullying.  Open communication and trust with a parent/child relationship is very important so they know someone they can go to about the problem.

Ø  Confront or contact the parents of the bully.

 

Do:

Ø  Listen to everything your child has to say.  Ask questions to see who was involved and what exactly happen at the incident(s).  Get Details!

Ø  Empathize with your child and express love to them and how proud you are he or she told you about the bullying.

Ø  Get input from your child on what can be done to help them and the situation,

Ø  Comfort your child be letting them know that you will be part of the solution to getting the problem resolved.

Ø  Immediately contact the teacher(s) and administration about the problem and work with everyone on a sensible solution.

Ø  If the bullying continues, move your concerns up the chain of command within the school district until the problem is resolved and your child is safe.