Over the last two weeks I’ve covered “Bullying in Today’s World” and the “After Affects of Bullying“.
Today I’m going to try to tackle ways that we can combat the bullying of our children. In order to begin this combating process we will have to answer a couple questions.
1. What will it require of us to combat the bullying which can bring mental, emotional and (at times) physical harm to our children?
a. First, we must realize that combating something takes time. We will not see progress overnight, nor will it be fixed in a week or even a month’s time. God alone knows what the time frame for this process will be. Yet, as parents we must be diligent in caring for and protecting our children.
b. To combat bullying, we must start with talking to our children. We must ensure that the lines of communication with our kids are open. If these lines are not open, then should they or their friends become the target of bullying, then it is unlikely that our children will talk to us about it. This is one of the “deadliest” results of a struggling parent-child relationship. If WE are not talking TO our kids about their days, friends, etc. then WE can not expect them to talk to US.
c. Our children need to know what bullying “looks” like. As with abuse there are many different things they need to be aware that fall under “bullying”. From slanderous words, fights, cyber bullying, etc., we must ensure they know that these things aren’t normal or o.k.
d. We must prepare ourselves now to be ready and willing to deal with any bullying issues that present themselves in the future. The future could hold parent-teacher conferences, parent-teacher-principle conferences, coach conferences, Sunday School teacher/Pastor conferences, and/or police involvement. None of these are what we would like to think about for our child’s future, but we must have our children’s best interest at heart. If they are the recipient of bullying, then we need to know what it might take to tackle the issue.
2. How can we on the outside combat the bullying that is plaguing so many children?
a. Teach our children what bullying is and looks like. If they know what to be on the look out for, then they can tell us, a teacher, coach, etc. if they see a child being bullied. Who knows, your child just might be the one to stop a bully. Kids often listen to their own peers before they listen to their parents.
b. Become involved in our communities. There are so many kids that don’t have one or both parents, supervision, and they don’t know what is right or wrong honestly. There are so many opportunities to reach the children around us. From Big Brother/Big Sister, to After School Outreach Programs, School Mentor Programs, etc. The kids are signed up and just waiting for someone to show they care and change their lives.
c. Pay attention when kids get together, they like to talk and you never know what topics you’ll overhear. From this you can form future conversations with your own kids discussing the topics and/or plan of action should you need to move forward about a situation of concern.
d. Keep our eyes and ears open outside our homes. You never know what you may come across in public that involves your child and/or their friends. Being alert at all times is important.
It is important to our kids that we show concern for them, even if they don’t act like it or appreciate it now. In the future they’ll be able to look back on their childhood and see that we looked out for them.
While bullying may never touch your family personally, it is highly likely that someone you know will be affected by it. In order to keep bullying from worsening for grandchildren, we must combat it now. It has already changed so much since we were kids, I can’t imagine how different it could be if we don’t begin to fight back now.
I pray that you will join me in praying for all the kids involved in the bullying across the world today. God can win the fight against bullying, will we stand strong with Him? Are we willing to get on our knees and pray for the youth of the world?
A good support to a worthy cause. Well done!
It is something that more people need to be willing to talk about in order for change to come about in our kids lives. Thanks for stoppin by! Blessings!