|
Author: Patricia Gatto Article source: http://www.www.christian-mommies.com/. Used with author's permission.
As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents are left to ponder more pressing issues than notebooks, backpacks, and sneakers.
Will my child succeed this year? Will his academic and social growth meet my hopes and expectations? Have I done everything I can to make this possible?
If you haven't prepared your child for the school bully, not only could your dreams and aspirations end in failure, but your child could fall victim to the violence, and suffer long-lasting repercussions.
Make no mistake; bullying is a form of violence. Experts estimate that almost 75% of today's youth will be involved in some aspect of bullying before they enter high school. And chances are, your child will be among the statistics.
Humiliation, fear, anxiety and depression are the constant companions of a child that is bullied. It can lead to harmful, shocking and unexpected behavior from an otherwise shy or timid child.
Victims feel ashamed and tend to view themselves as failures. They are more prone to stress related illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches. In extreme cases, the victim of a bully can experience sever depression and entertain thoughts of suicide.
Lack of safety is one of the top concerns of young people, and bullying is a real and constant threat. A child's emotional development is just as important, if not more so, than academic development. In fact, a safe, healthy emotional environment is essential to academic growth and success.
How do you prepare your child for the school bully?
Become involved and make certain your school has active anti-bullying policies in place. Disciplinary guidelines, procedures for investigating and reporting incidences of bullying, adequate supervision, and an immediate plan of action to address reports of bullying are key elements to a successful program.
Teach your child to walk tall and proud and to maintain eye contact. Portraying a positive, self-confident stature will help your child cope in many areas.
Be certain to compliment your child and gently encourage changes that will bolster self-esteem. Use positive words that validate his or her rights as a person.
Use role-playing techniques to illustrate proper responses to negative situations. This will build strength, courage and provide your child with valuable emotional resources to pull from in times of trouble.
Help your child to identify role models, from sports heroes to everyday man. Discuss the obstacles and accomplishments they endured, focusing on the resilient human spirit.
Read stories together that inspire. Discuss how strength of character and perseverance can achieve a positive outcome without resorting to violence or force.
Encourage your child to keep a diary or journal, write poetry or songs. Writing provides a safe outlet for your child and creativity and self-expression are helpful tools used to work through negative issues.
If your child has difficulties making or maintaining friends, intervene - friendships are a protection against bullying. Identify children that might have things in common with your child and arrange a visit.
Encourage your child to join activities both in and out of school that will result in friendships while building strength and confidence.
But most important, don't diminish your child's concern over a classmate's taunting and teasing, it could very well lead to damaging repercussions. Instead, prepare your child for the bully by empowering him with confidence and self-esteem through your words, actions and embrace. About The Author
Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boy's magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and children's rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.com
pgatto@ptd.net
Commercial Real Estate Industry - Is the Condo Craze Over, or Just Gaining Steam
Over the last two years there has been so much condo activity that many commercial real estate lenders are starting to express concern over the future stability...
Stored Value Cards - Prepaid Convenience
You see them everywhere - gift cards, restaurant cards, phone cards and more. These stored value cards (SVCs) electronically store any funds you pay in advance ...
Website Traffic Generation…7 Great Ways to Increase Your Web Site Traffic
Want to increase your website traffic and make more money in the process, 7 great tips to help you succeed.
The Lazy Mans Way To Riches
The title of this article also happens to be the title of one of the greatest ads of all time, written by a man named Joe Karbo. Joe was was one of the foremost...
Earn Top Dollar With Your Affiliate Monthly Income Stream
The key to any affiliate income plan is to set a realistic goal and then evaluate your progress.
GoogSpy: Business Counter Intelligence for Everyone
So, you want to know what your competitors are up to these days, or maybe you want to research a keyword campaign that will rank you at the top of the heap for ...
A Business Directory Just Isn't Enough Anymore!
Learn what it takes to increase popularity for your business directory online. You must be creative and implement other ideas...
What Are We Teaching PR Students?
At the end of their course of study, PR students should have learned that they will need to alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors among their...
Selling Your Property Without An Estate Agent
Many people save thousands selling their homes without using an estate agent, but what are the issues private sellers need to consider if they are going to cut ...
Guide to Choosing a Computer System for Your Child
In a more computerized world, it is vitally important for a person to know how to handle computers from an early age. This article will help you choose a comput...
Currency Trading Fee Concept
Troubles with Global Economy; Do you see future problems with our global economic plans to make a one world system, where free trade and prosperity can rein the...
Landscape Design
Landscaping is a wonderful pastime enjoyed by many. It provides a natural beauty and needs no ornaments or other attractive items to help achieve its magnificen...
Fitness the Goddess Way: Movement vs. Exercise
Could exercise and fitness be revamped and something you look forward to? If you want to be a health goddess, you must upgrade your viewpoint of what it means t...
Can a Yoga Prop Help Prop Up Your Practice?
Discover how using a yoga prop can help you get the most out of the poses and deepen your practice.
How to Find Ideas for Articles & Speeches
Do you have problems finding ideas for articles and speeches? I know have had at times, and others tell me the same thing. At my Toastmasters club, for example...
How to Choose a Marriage Counselor
You have made the decision to contact a marriage counselor. The next question is "How to choose the right marriage counselor?" The success of your counseling ...
Characteristics Of The Boxer
Thinking about getting a boxer? Here are some things you may or may not know about this wonderful breed.
Marriage Is a Long Conversation!
Romance, passion, and beauty all fade away with time. The most important aspect of a good marriage is a solid friendship and good conversation. Don't toss away ...
Good Eggs -- Rediscover The Simple Pleasures of Eggs!
Simple pleasures remain the best. That first spring breeze, the sweetness of a raindrop, a perfectly cooked egg. In this era of culinary theatrics, when food gu...
Finding a Brochure Printing Company
A brochure can be a great promotional tool, whether it is for is a real estate listing, a trade show handout, a data sheet, or some other application, but somet...
SEO, the Simplified Version
This is the simply version of SEO.
Preliminary Survival Steps for Adwords Success
I'm going to give you two options here, you can either watch your free video or you can read through this article about setting up a profitable and targeted adw...
Media Relations: Ending the Press Release Crutch
When most people think of media relations, they think of press releases. To be sure, writing and distributing them is one of the most important parts of the job...
What the Diet Industry Wont Tell You--6 Secrets Revealed
The Diet Industry profits by keeping you fat and desperate. They know that fat, desperate people will buy almost anything, at any price, that promises quick an...
|
Print this page