5 Bully-Free Tips for Parents

Bullying is everywhere. From the internet to school to afterschool activities, kids can be bullied anywhere. We can recognize the warning signs of bullying, but we also want the kids in our community to be prepared for all situations to stand against bullying. There are things we can do to help our kids from becoming targets:

Stop. Listen. Communicate.

​Talk to your kids everyday about their day. Listen to what they say about their day — from school to social events.

One of the best things you can do for your child is talk to them about bullying before it even happens. Ask your child what they would do in certain situations, and let them problem solve without using violence. Tell them anecdotes of relationships you had growing up, embarrassments, fears, mistakes, or failures, and what you did in situations. Teach them that they don’t need to take all situations personally. Saying that can be easier than doing. Learning to  self calm and problem solve can help. Mental exercises can be done with parents or teachers and can help your child identify their goal, figure out what steps to take, and evaluate the success of those actions.

When you notice your child having positive self esteem, praise them for it. Show them what it means to walk confidently. Let them know that you think it’s good when they stand up for what they believe in.

Don’t do all of the talking. Give your child a chance to tell you what’s going on, and listen patiently.

Remove the Tempations

Things like lunch money or technology can make your kids an easy target, if they’re not able to defend themselves.

Be an Example

First, don’t bully your child or others in front of them. Don’t gossip, hit, or ridicule others. Sometimes when a kid is bullying at school, they are replicating what they’ve seen at home. 

If you see others being bullied, do what you can to stop it immediately, whether it’s your child doing the bullying or not. Encourage your child to help others in need.​​

Get Involved

Learn what your child’s school has setup for bully prevention. If there isn’t a program, talk to teachers, other parents, and adults to see what you can do to get one started.

Get a protocol of what to do if bullying happens and who to talk to, including teachers, social workers, counselors, and the principal. If the situation remains unattended to, reach out to other administrators, including the school board or other school personnel.

Extracurricular Activities Such as Karate in East Mesa

After school activities like karate can help your child become well-balanced. Exercise can help with anxiety, which can lead to better peer relationships. 

Additionally, extracurricular activities like karate can give your child a chance to meet positive and motivating friends that share the same interests. At the karate school, we encourage positive relationships with adults through our knowledgeable and caring instructors. We also want kids to have connections with positive role models that may include extended family members, teachers, and other adults.

If you want to learn more about what we teach and believe, call us at 480-986-7177 or fill out or online form.