Bullying is one of the leading crises and loopholes in today’s education system. Probably because it was not focused as a leading crisis before, despite being one of the reasons for deteriorated mental health in our society. Moreover, this has been so crucial that parents are having a hard time with kids that experience anxiety and depression.
Overall, this topic has not been tackled and focused on enough. If you are part of those parents who struggle in raising a child in a not-so-friendly environment, then you must equip yourselves with good parenting tips and experience.
However, the issue should not only revolve around making sure that your child is not abused or bullied, always teach your kids to not contribute to this toxic stigma. Instead of teaching kids how to not be bullied, you must also instill them lessons to not be a bully. “Do not do unto others what you don’t want others to do to you.” This piece of advice should not only remain a good story for your kids to share, but they must live throughout this overall idea.
A good start should come from analyzing the root of the stigma. Thus, how do you know that you are solving the main problem rather than its sub? Kill the stigma of bullying by starting with your children, make sure they are not being the bully themselves.
How do you ask? Well, here are tips on how to make sure your kids are not being a bully.
Give your kids some attention
One of a bully’s backstory, or some might say, a “villain’s backstory” is the lack of proper attention and guidance from their parents. They are seeking something that their parents could not provide, thus, making it a reason to take this frustration onto others. Sometimes, it can lead to worse problems, as not providing enough guidance to your kids can lead them to a bad foundation, which can be crucial during adolescence or adulting years. This may sound obvious, but many parents do not actively participate in their children's lives. Rather than listening and getting to know their children, they spend more time guiding and scolding them. Parents should take an active role in their children's activities and education. So, instead of focusing on who you want your children to be, take the time to discover who they are. Make sure that they are given enough adoration and attention.
It should be taught at home
One of the things one should not forsake during parenting is how crucial it is for a child to grow in a healthy environment. Thus, every little thing that your kids transpire, it should be taught first at home. Moreover, the foundation of a child’s personality and characteristics develop on what is around him/her. So, every little thing should start at home and with parents’ guidance. At home, it's natural for children to argue with their siblings. It's also best not to get involved unless there's a threat of physical assault. Keep an eye on the name-calling and fighting, and talk to each child regularly about what is and is not appropriate. You should also consider how you speak to your children and how you handle disagreement and challenges. Kids who are subjected to screaming, name-calling, insults, harsh criticism, or physical violence from a sibling or parent/caregiver may behave out in other situations.
Understand bullying behavior
Before actually calling them out forcefully, make sure that you understand bullying behavior and not act rashly upon it. If ever your kid exhibits a bully’s attitude, assess yourself on what traits have you passed on to your kid. Your child is not a bully out of nothing, it must have come out from somewhere, or somebody. Thus, it is a parent’s job to do whatever it takes to foster empathy with your kids, make them see how understanding you are during these critical times, and converse with them as much as possible. Bullying occurs for a variety of causes. Some bullies act this way because they are insecure. Picking on someone who appears to be emotionally or physically weaker gives the impression that you are more important, popular, or in command. In other circumstances, children bully because they do not understand that picking on children who are different due to their size, appearance, race, or religion is not acceptable. Understanding bullying behavior does not tolerate a bully’s attitude, however, it seeks understanding towards a child’s thoughts and misunderstandings that can still be properly disciplined.
Teaching them respect
If your kids do not acknowledge respect, then maybe it is time for you to assess your parenting ways. Especially at a younger age, teaching your kids respect can make them instill respect for all people as they grow. Not only this but living with respect is one of the good foundations for a person growing up in the community. Make sure your youngster understands that everyone is different and should be treated with respect. Set clear expectations for how others should be treated, particularly those who are different in some manner. Make sure your kids understand that just because they do not like someone does not give them the right to be cruel.
Discipline, if a must
If it comes to the point where your child can be unbearable, then maybe it is time to reconsider your disciplinary actions. However, hard—tough love is one of the crucial points in parenting. However, this should not come to the point where you assert their fear, just settle some good boundaries for you and your kids. Make them sure that you are in charge and thus, they must listen to whatever you are about to say. Asserting dominance is not necessarily bad, it should always take part with care and control. You must respond quickly and with proper repercussions. If your kid has been bullied at school, cooperate with authorities to enforce any disciplinary action taken against them. Your children must be held accountable for their bullying actions. If you strive to protect them, they will never learn from their mistakes.
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