Back-to-School season can be a chaotic time for parents transitioning their children out of the lazy days of summer. Between buying school supplies and planning healthy lunches there are important things that can’t be left out of the backpack. At my PRO Martial Arts dojo, we prepare students to handle intimidating school situations – at any age. But bullying doesn’t start on the playground; it starts with parents teaching positive principles. Here are five tips to help you “bully-proof” your child’s back to school experience.
1. Boost your kid's self esteem. The No. 1 weapon a child has against bullies and predators is a strong self-image. Confidence comes from accomplishment, the kind gained from participating in extracurricular activities. While athletics and Karate are great, any activity where your child can experience victory works. Explore your child’s favorite hobby and provide positive reinforcement.
2. Hey Mom, what’s a bully? Children can be unaware that they are being bullied. There are three main types of bullying: psychological, physical and cyber. Parents need to help children understand how to identify the signs of each one.
3. Communication is key. Make your home a safe haven for communication. Children need to feel comfortable talking about what’s happening in their lives without fear of punishment. Start simply by asking about their day at school. Know who your child’s friends are. Make sure they have an adult at school they can talk to, someone they like and trust. The greater interest you take in your child’s life, the more comfortable he or she will feel about coming to you with problems.
4. Be dialed in as a parent. Bullying is no longer limited to the playground. Cell phones and computers have become channels for bullies to target victims. Use tools such as My Mobile Watch Dog and other parental controls to monitor children’s cell phone and computer activity.
5. Show no fear. If your child is being bullied, he or she needs your complete support. Facing a bully can be a hard and scary thing, so children need to know that you believe them and have their back. Confronting bullies is an opportunity for children to face their fears and learn to stand up for themselves.
6.Be aware of the signs. Some signs that your child may be a victim of bullying include: fear of going to school, negative self-talk, declining grades and a sudden change in opinion about a specific person.
