As much as you’d like to step in and solve the problem yourself, it’s probably in your child’s best interest to teach the child how to solve the problem. Once he’s learned the skills to stand up for himself, he can use them in other life situations.
- Teach your child how to respond to a bully in a bold, assertive way. Practice with him at home in a role-play situation.
- Suggest that your child stick with two or more other children when at the playground, the bus stop, or wherever he comes face-to-face with the bully.
- If the bully problem is at school, tell your child that if he’s not successful in fending the bully off on his own, it’s OK to ask for help from a teacher or playground attendant. Rehearse what to say when he approaches an adult for help so he doesn’t sound like he’s whining or tattling.
- Teach your child to turn and walk away from a child who is being a verbal bully, without so much as a word. Being ignored may cause the bully to give up.
Remember… If your child tries many different approaches but is continually harassed by a bully, or if the bully is physically aggressive, you may need to step in. It is rarely, if ever, effective to approach the bully or his parents directly. Instead, approach the school principal or another person in a position of authority.
