How do I handle neighborhood bullies?

Question

We have lived in our home for 1 year. My doughter hit heads with one of the neighbor girls when we first moved in and it seems like it keeps getting worse. My daughter comes home from school everyday crying because this girl has done something or another to her. I know kids will be kids but how can I get her to stop. I have contacted the school and the police but nothing seems to work. My daughter never had these problems at the old school and use to be very out going. I have seen a change in her and it worries me. We are to the point of selling our home and moveing but don't want to. By the way the other girls parents don't speak english so I can't commutcate with them. HELP

Answer 1

Hula Girl has a good point...call a meeting with the principal, you and your husband and this girls parents.  Maybe don't have the girls join in at first.  Also, talk to the bus driver....maybe he/she can arrange seats so they aren't near each other.  It's frustrating, believe me.  Teach your daughter to keep her head up.

Answer 2

We had this same problem with our daughter last year.  She would come home every day crying.  First, I went to the parents and when that went over like a wet balloon I went to the teachers, then the principal.  To make a long story short, pretty much nothing was done to improve the situation.  The girls all promised they'd get along and stop the bullying, but a day or two later they would be right back at it again in full force.  It finally came to the point that we had to switch schools for our daughter to have any peace.  She was in a small Catholic school at the time so we switched to public.  It was the best move we've ever made.  She's done great ever since then.  If you haven't had any luck at school, maybe you haven't gone high enough.  If she's in public school, go to the superintendant if you are not satisfied with the outcome from the principal.  You will get results if you keep on this.  Don't let up... you might have to bully somebody yourself to get what you deserve!

P.S.  You are going to have to communicate with the other parents.  Find someone who speaks their language to translate for you.  The school should do this if a meeting is called!

Answer 3

Ah HA! Sounds familiar, we had the same issue with a little hispanic boy in our neighborhood. I asked the school to arrange a meeting with the parents and asked the Spanish speaking receptionist to translate. Amazingly enough, the little boy was an angel at home and because no one had ever talked to the parents before about it they had NO IDEA! They thought the neighbors were just mean to them because they didn't speak English. After the meeting the parents were very embarrassed because they had such pride for their boy. They completely apologized to me and then we noticed a big change. At first the mom would sit outside and watch as he played in the neighborhood and then they eventually were able to  back off and let him play alone. Now I feel so comfortable with them and talk through the secretary at school and have even had her translate letters to them if something happens. It's a harder route than normal but it works!

Answer 4

Learn how to make a petrol bomb!

Answer 5

Move

Answer 6

have you tried to talk to both girls along with the school principle? sometimes just knowing that you are paying attention and watching out for your daughter will keep bullies away from them.

Answer 7

My sister went through the same thing when she was in school.  It got so bad that my father went down to the school and told them that if something wasn't done about it, he was going to hire a bodyguard to come to school with her, sit beside her in class, and follow her everywhere she went. The principal tried to object, but my father told him that every child was entitled to a safe education.  So if the abuse continues, talk to the principal and tell them that either they do something about it, or you will contact the school board, the superintendant, and of course the media.  And if you are willing, you could even look into the legal issues involved for your daughter's rights.   And if you can't get any results, I would check into national media coverage.  This isn't meant as a joke, but why not contact a show like either Montel Williams or some show with national coverage.  There is nothing worse than having the media breathe down someone's neck about this and it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.  And reassure your daughter and tell her that none of this is her fault, and that you are there for her.  Ask her what she would be comfortable with whatever action you decide to take.

Answer 8

You need to get her in karate.   This will give her more confidence to be able to take care of herself, and if they ever tried to physically hurt her, she can kick their butts.

Answer 9

Get an order of protection for your daughter. English speaking or not, if the child's parents don't comply, they can be sued or held liable in some way.