My son will be starting Kindergarten August 15th. For 4 years he’s been at a in-home childcare, which has turned into his family. I’ve never had to worry about anything happening to him or other children treating him badly but with him transitioning into a private school with more children around I’m getting nervous. There are so many stories out there about kids basically torturing and in some cases even killing other children because they want to be bullies and not keep their hands to themselves.

I hope and pray that bullying isn’t something my son has to deal with and I also pray he isn’t the one doing the bullying. As a child it’s something I never really had to deal with. I’d get teased about my weight here and there but nothing that bothered me too much. Though words didn’t bother me much not all kids are the same and although my son is only five I want to be prepared if he ever comes home and tells me there are kids treating him badly.

The main thing I teach him now is treat others how you want to be treated, and that includes his elders. It’s important that he knows he cannot be mean to people and expect to be rewarded with the kindness from those he mistreats. I know not all kids are raised this way but with me instilling this in his mind I hope that he keeps a kind heart in this cruel world, which brings me to one of the steps of preventing bullying:

1. RESPECT

The more we teach our children about respect the sooner we are preventing bullying. Watch your words and if you don’t think they are going to be nice or will hurt someones feelings do not say them.

2. SAY STOP

If you are being bullied, stand your ground. Tell the bully to stop and if they do not, before things escalate go find a trusted adult to let them know what is going on. Now, I’m not one for violence but I also believe in defending yourself so if walking away doesn’t work and a kid decides to hit my child after he as told him to stop I’ve let him know to hit back and I’ll deal with the aftermath. Sometimes standing up for yourself is the only way a bully will get the hint. BUT AGAIN, WALKING AWAY IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN VIOLENCE

3. REASSURE

Many times children will believe it’s their own fault for being bullied due to how they may look or dress. Reassure your kid(s) that there is nothing wrong with being different. God created us in all different shapes and sizes. It’s okay to stand out from the crowd and the bully just might really want to be your friend but doesn’t know how to express it in a polite way.

Also reassure your child that they can talk to you and that this happens to a lot of kids. Some kids are too scared to tell because of what could happen but let your children know we can get through it together.

4. BUDDY SYSTEM

Try to avoid the bully altogether by hanging out with your friends. It’s less likely that a child will be bullied when they have a friend around and a teacher near by.

Now, these are just a few suggestions and I really hope this is something my son never has to deal with but you never know.

Do you have a child that has been bullied or did you go through it as a child?

What did you tell your child?

How did your parents help you deal with it?