Empowered to Handle Bullies

Empowered to Handle Bullies

The latest research shows that one in three children is directly involved in bullying as a perpetrator, victim, or both. And many of those who are not directly involved witness others being bullied on a regular basis. As parents we have the power to help reduce bullying and to empower our children to know how to handle the bullies in their life.

This week's radio show on Be You Parenting, addresses how parents can be empowered to empower their kids to handle bully situations. Here are some highlights:

The definition of a bully- A bully is a person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as weak and small. I found some of these key words interesting.

Notice it is what the bully perceives - not necessarily what is true. They perceive that someone is weak, and is an easy target because that person probably perceives themselves that way too. The person being bullied, can begin to ask what do I believe about myself that allows others to perceive me as weak and small? Often these are the people who are different and can think of themselves as wrong for being different, which makes a person feel weak and not strong to stand up and BE for themselves. 

Here's where parents can step in and assist their child that is being targeted. Talk about how being different is really a strength and not a weakness. Teach them that many of our everyday heroes are so because of their differences and their willingness to be seen and their willingness to not let the judgment of others affect them. 

In the second half of the show, I share how to connect with the greater energy within, and how to be that energy so that others who are looking for someone to prey upon will not perceive any weakness and will pass on by. 

The other word that struck me was habitual. When a child knows how to handle anyone who tries to have power over him, he can't and won't be habitually sought out. Kids are often told to tell an adult when they are being bullied, and so they should and one of the roles of the adult should be how to empower the child being picked on to acknowledge their own strength so as not to be perceived as weak and small and how to respond differently to the bully. To know more about why kids bully others read this article. 

I reference a video in the show, The Idiot Game, where kids are taught to respond to unkind remarks in a way that diffuses the power struggle. You may want to have your child watch it and of course, parents can use the tips in the video to practice with their kids. 

There are many reasons that kids bully others, and if your child is one of them, you need to pay attention and ask some questions to discover what is going on that your child needs to have power and control over others. This may require some professional help, and please don't ignore it. This child is a victim as much as the ones picked on. Here are more tips for parents whose child is bullying others.  

For more tips and tools about bullying, tune in to the replay posted below. 
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Photo from Pixabay.