5 Ways to Encourage a Child Who is Battling the School Bully
As many as one in four kids is bullied, a frightening childhood experience that can last well into adulthood. Gregory B. Watkins of www.bigbillandbuddies.com reveals how to tell if your child has been bullied, and five ways to help.
(PRWEB) December 13, 2004 -- Is your child afraid to go to the lunchroom,
bathroom, or playground because of a bully? Is his schoolwork or attendance
suffering because he is worried about being picked on?
Studies show that
one in four kids is bullied. For years, bullying was treated as an unavoidable
rite of passage. But recent research reveals that the effects of bullying can
last well into adulthood; that’s why it’s crucial to find out if your child is
being bullied.
“Kids don’t always come out and tell their parents they
are afraid. Signs of being bullied include tummy aches, nightmares, reluctance
to go to school and loss of confidence,” says Gregory B. Watkins, author of A
“Big Beaked Big Bellied Bird Named Bill” ($13.95, www.bigbillandbuddies.com). “If your child displays these
signals, it’s time you intervene.”
The father of four and the youngest of
eight children, Watkins passionately educates children about sticking up for the
little guy. The former Vietnam Marine wrote “A Big Beaked Big Bellied Bird Named
Bill,” the first in a series, to teach children individuality and acceptance.
Here Watkins shares five ways to pump up your child’s spirit when
they’ve been pestered by a bully:
1. Talk it over. Your child may be
embarrassed or scared and may try to deny it. Don’t give up. It may take five or
more “sessions” to find the heart of the problem.
2. Make it clear it is
not their fault. Point out that many bullies are just trying to show off or get
attention.
3. Offer ideas. If your child is getting bullied because of
poor social skills, help by teaching them better social skills.
4. Role
play. See how your child acts around other kids and help your child work out
acceptable responses.
5. Instill pride. Help them accept who they are and
be proud of it. A confident child is less likely to be bullied.
Don’t let
a bully kill your child’s confidence. Stay in-the-know about what’s going on in
your children’s lives and always be ready to help them feel good about
themselves.
Want to know more about how to make a difference in your
child’s life? Get the FREE report “6 Steps to Turn that Bully into Your Friend”
at www.bigbillandbuddies.com.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/12/prweb187503.htm