October 7 2013

How to Handle Bullies by DaddyScrubs

I recall that feeling. It kinda snuck up on me during Nate’s elementary school orientation. What feeling? Oh, that little feeling that goes along with reading the very large “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” banner hung above the main entrance of Nate’s new school.

Ok, so this is happening, I thought to myself. It’s time to have “that” talk.  Make no mistake about it, I knew right away that the game was about to change. Luckily, we’ve had a good couple of years, and I’m hopeful. 

Here’s Nate dressed as a Pill Bug for a school parade. Totally adorable, right? I think so. Dressing up as a pill bug can go either way, and as far as I know this was a good day. So, will it always be this easy? Daddy Nickell of DaddyScrubs takes to the MoPa blog to talk bullying since this just might be a hot topic for you and your bug.  - Denell 

 

Daddy Nickell talks Bullying.

When it comes to bullying, there are a few things parents should and shouldn’t do to help their children deal with bullies.

Do: Teach your child the best ways to handle a bullying situation. If your own child is being bullied, teach them the best method is not to provoke a fight, but to simply and calmly (as hard as it might be) walk away and find the nearest adult (teacher or principal) who can help you. If your child is not the person being bullied but rather is witness to another child being bullied they can help by alerting a teacher or principal and being a kind and empathetic friend to the child being bullied.

Don’t: As a dad it’s hard not to want to fight a battle for your child (figuratively speaking), but do not overstep your boundaries. You could possibly make it worse for your child. If you’re a concerned parent call the school and talk with a principal or teacher and tell them the severity of the bullying situation. They’ll take the necessary measure to better watch the bully and give out consequences based on future actions.

Do: Talk! A lot! Talk to your child as much as possible about what’s going on at school, with their friends and their overall lives – you’ll be surprised by the things you’ll learn. Use the opportunity to build your child’s self-esteem as being a victim of bullying can often make a child feel puny. Discuss ways in which your child succeeds in school and at home and the things that make your child really happy. Be their rock. Build upon their strengths by giving them defense mechanisms like talking calmly, making jokes and more.

Don’t: Do nothing. Doing nothing does not work. And as a parent it’s your responsibility to do something to help your child in any situation. Be sure your moves are calculated, as your child will likely be watching and learning from your way of handling the situation.

Happy parenting!

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell (known as Daddy Nickell), owner of DaddyScrubs, provides valuable and unique advice for parents, and especially dads, on how to give your child the self-confidence, skills and power to stand up (and proudly walk away) from bullying. A father of three, Daddy Nickell developed DaddyScrubs to provide products and support to dads throughout all stages of fatherhood, including strong, empowering advice that helps dads all over the world develops capable, self-confident and successful kids. For more information on DaddyScrubs and Daddy Nickell, please visit www.DaddyScrubs.com.