Talking to your child about bullying - Part 2

I hope you found part 1 with video content about bullying very helpful and evidence to you that we’re on your team.

The BIGGEST help we can be to our kids as parents is to develop a plan for dealing with a bully. Dealing with a bully is somewhat progressive in nature, so let’s view these in steps.

• STEP 1-Tell the person bullying to STOP and walk away. Saying to them, “Don’t talk to me that way,” and walking away takes away their sense of power.
• STEP 2-Confront the bully. Talk through a basic script that your child can use in confronting. “It’s not OK for you to treat me this way, and I won’t let it happen. If you don’t stop I will tell an adult.”
• STEP 3-It’s time to get an adult involved. If it’s happening at school explain the situation to the teacher, if it’s on the bus speak with the bus driver, if it’s a team talk with the coach, if it’s a neighbor speak with the child’s parents.
• STEP 4-Next you involve that person’s direct supervisor. If the soccer coach doesn’t stop the bullying, it’s time for the league supervisor to get involved. If a teacher isn’t stepping in, it’s time to speak with a principal.

The biggest assurance you can give your child is that God has equipped them to deal with this. 2 Timothy 1:7 says For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. Memorize this verse with your child so they have the reminder that God has given them the power to deal with a bully.

As always, we welcome your feedback and prayer requests, so feel free to contact me with those at journeyland@journeycommunity.net.