The news is filled with stories on bullying in schools, bullying in the workplace and with the increased use of technology, cyberbullying can be a constant, never-ending and relentless attack on your child. While some acts are clearly bullying – like a child regularly, wilfully, and intentionally physically hurting another child - other acts are not as easy to recognise as bullying.
Do you know the difference between bullying and kids just having some harmless fun together? As a loving parent it’s important for to know the distinction so you can help your child navigate life’s challenges. Children need to be able to protect themselves from bullies and also be able to manage light-hearted play without it causing them to feel overwhelmed by hurt or stress.
It’s also really important to make sure your own children are treating each other with care and respect and one child isn’t being allowed to bully their sibling. Every parent wants to raise happy, healthy and well-balanced kids. BUT, it’s not always easy to know the “right” thing to do. There is so much conflicting parenting advice today, leaving parents confused, especially when it comes to bullying. What is the right approach?
SHOULD I LET THE KIDS SORT IT OUT THEMSELVES?
But what if that ends in someone getting seriously hurt.
SHOULD I INTERVENE AND HELP MY CHILDREN LEARN THE RIGHT WAY TO BE?
But what if this makes it worse for my child and they don’t get the chance to learn how to handle life’s challenges.
SHOULD I STEP BACK AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS AND IF IT’S NOT GOING THE RIGHT WAY – INTERVENE THEN?
But what if I’m too late! What if I don’t do anything and something really bad happens – I’d never forgive myself.