Coping with Bullies?

Question

I'd like to teach my kids how to cope with other kids that are bullying them by using roll playing and giving them a chance to react or respond to different issues. Can anyone give me ideas, examples or senerios of bulling that they have experience or know about.

I'd like to work on their self confidence and ability to cope when this is happening. I wasn't a bully in school and really didn't experience it either so I need help in coming up things that a bully would.

Answer 1

- telling them they cant play on thier team because they are not good at it. Not choosing them to be a part of a team at recess time or phy-ed time.

-calling them names and laughing with others about the way they look, dress, talk or act.

-putting a sign or something on their back that says "kick me" or anything else that is mean, without them knowing.

-whispering to others about them and gettting others to join in on making fun of or laughing at another.

-tripping, pushing, or hitting.

I hope this helps you come up with some situations to address. Sounds like a great plan!! :-)

Answer 2

Karate. They will have hand to hand combat with people bigger then them, it will build there self esteem, they do tons of roll playing, they meet other kids, have fun and exercise.  

I reason I am not suggesting you do this, is because you are a person they trust and love. They will act different toward you because of that. Also if you start bad mouthing them (like a bully would) they make take it personal because you mom. Even though it's a game it might be hard for them to separate the two.

Answer 3

It's very easy to give your kids authentic bullying experience. Find a tough kid in the neighbourhood, and offer to meet dollar for dollar any money he can extort from them. That should be a good incentive, as well as the thought that you"re not going to stop him. Your kids will thank you for it.

Answer 4

Check out this organization: http://www.kidpower.org/store/index.html  Kidpower runs workshops for kids on how to stay safe.  They also provide learning materials for you to help your kids.

All the best.

Answer 5

Sometimes bullies attack from behind the scenes.

I suggest you tell your children to know who their true friends are, and not to let information out that could be used against them.

If it is straighforward bullying, here is a suggestion...

Let's say your child is being called a nerd, they could use humor as a defense. By saying, "I'll remember you said that when you're working for me." You may not want your kids to take that approach. I just have realized it makes children feel better and less hurt.

You could always tell your child to avoid the bullies. If the bullies still bother them, your child could go to a trusted teacher and let them know. In order for you child to avoid embarrassment, they could ask the teacher to "catch them in the act". That way it isn't their fault, at least to everyone else's knowledge.

I'm sorry if I didn't help you.