How to Avoid Raising a Bully

Most parents either remember the classroom bully or remember being the classroom bully, but no parent wants their kid to be known as their classroom bully. Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior. It can be verbal or non verbal. It’s a tool kids use to scare, manipulate or force others to do what they want. But since bullying is often a learned behavior, parents can take active steps to avoid raising a bully. What practical steps can you take to avoid raising a bully?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

How to Avoid Raising a Bully

1. Teach your child to respect other people. All people are different and your child will need to learn to be tolerant of all of those who cross his path. Teach your child that different doesn't always mean right or wrong.

2. Foster an attitude of empathy and caring in your child. Many bullies lack empathy. Teach your child to notice how his behavior affects others and ask him to "put himself in her shoes." Point out when people are hurting and encourage your child to offer help. Ask your child how he thinks a hurting person may feel.

3. Set clear boundaries for how to treat people. Even if your child does not like someone, it doesn't give him a license to be mean. Teach your child that all people deserve respect, safety and kindness and require your child to be courteous to all.

4. Use non-violent methods of discpline. Your child will live what he has learned. If you hit your child, he will hit others. If you scream at your child, he is likely to scream at others.

5. Nip any bullying behavior in the bud immediately. Have a no tolerance policy when it comes to bullying behavior. As soon as you notice that your child is displaying aggressive behavior, stop it. Boys tend to be physical bullies while girls often spread rumors or exclude others. Immediately address any behaviors that display aggression towards another child and enforce strict disciplinary action for those behaviors.

Tips & Warnings

• Set an example for your child. Your child will learn from you how to treat others.
• Bullying isn't always pushing, hitting or biting. Intimitation, rumor spreading, exclusion and teasing are other forms of bullying behavior.
• Boys and girls can both be bullies.