How to Deal With Bullying Behavior in Your Child
Bullying is a problem that affects almost every child, and one that can have detrimental effects on their self esteem. There is plenty of advice for parenting a child who is being bullied, but less is said about parenting the child who is actually doing the bullying. Bullying behavior is unacceptable behavior from a child that must be stopped, but surprisingly its causes may be surprising. There is hope for helping a child stop bullying behavior and starting to treat other children with respect and kindness.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Confront your child about their bullying, and let them know that violence will not be tolerated in any form. Do not punish them just yet, but rather firmly establish that you are in control, and that abusing other children is against your rules.
-
2
Ask your child why they are doing the bullying. If they say it is fun or enjoyable for them, inquire as to why this is so. Children who dominate and intimidate children often have deep seeded issues of self esteem that cause them to victimize others. Even more serious, it could be a sign of past abuse, something that a parent needs to be aware of.
-
-
3
Contact the administration at your child's school and let them know you are aware of the problem. Ask them to inform you at the slightest sign of bullying behavior, and make it clear you are their ally in rectifying the situation, not the opponent. Often parents refuse to believe their children could possibly be the bully, this type of ignorance will not help your child or the kids your child is hurting.
-
4
Consider sending your child to therapy or anger management. The professionals who give this type of treatment are aware of the best ways to both allow your child to open up about their motives for abuse, and provide your child with more positive way to deal with their issues.
-
5
If you were bullied as a child, tell stories about this experience to your child. If they see their victims as people like you instead of just tools to take out their aggression, they may think twice before they hurt another child.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid trying to punish bad behavior such as bullying out of your child. It is more effective to fully understand the root of the problem before taking rash actions.
Do not attempt to use physical violence to punish a child for bullying. This can result in pain for your child and will ultimately derail their development.
References
Resources
More Like This
Comments
-
Quote: "Children who dominate and intimidate children often have deep seeded issues of self esteem that cause them to victimize others". this is SO true and usually those kids have issues at home- neglect, lack of discipline and structure, etc etc.
