How to Handle Bullies on Sports Teams

Dealing with bullies on your child's sports team is a difficult task. You don't want to upset your child further by interfering too much, yet you don't want your child to get hurt. Bullies care cruel enough to make your child lose self-esteem and the desire to play sports. Youth sports should be fun and appealing for your child, no matter what age. Unfortunately bullies can be a hindrance.

Instructions

1. Listen to your child. Encourage your child to talk to you about what problems he's experiencing. Don't be concerned if your child would prefer to speak with someone else. Sometimes kids are ashamed or embarrassed to talk to parents about issues such as these.

2. Tell your child to discuss any concerns with anyone in authority. Remind her that there's always someone she can talk to about the bullies: coaches, teachers, parents or another child's parents. Early recognition can sometimes halt the bullies from causing more problems.

3. Reach out to the coach, and ask to speak to the coach in private. Bring up the matter with the coach, and tell him that you're concerned about other players' behavior toward your child. Most coaches are receptive to this request. If the environment is a controlled one under close adult supervision, bullies are less likely to strike.

4. Support your child. Bullies can make your child feel like a failure, lonely, unhappy and afraid. Reassure your child. Let him know that it's not his fault, and there's nothing wrong with him.

Tips & Warnings

• The way to determine if your child is dealing with bullies is to see if they perpetually torment your child. Bullies have a tendency to habitually belittle specific people.

• Girls are more apt to be bullied by words while boys use physical threats. Both should be treated seriously, as they're equally threatening.