When Your Kid Gets Bullied

My daughter got bullied last week in school. Let me tell you, it was the worst feeling in the world. There is nothing worse than tasting that first bite of the realization, that you can't protect them forever.

Here's how it all went down. My daughter was chillin' at recess with her pink Barbie sunglasses and a group of 3 "friends" knocked off her sunglasses to the ground and told her that they weren't going to play with her. Instead of my daughter crying or telling the teacher, she used her sphere of influence and told the other kids what happened (hopefully in hopes of turning the majority vote onto her side)

What made me feel sad, is that she didn't even tell my wife or me. My daughter came home that day and acted as if nothing happened. We found out because the bullies ratted themselves out to their parents who in turn, called us. Isn't it great when your kids are at an age when guilt gets the best of them? It would be naive to think you can prevent your kid from ever getting teased just like it would be foolish to think they will tell you every time it happens.

{mosnooad}But here are a few things to know about bullying:

• If your kid isn't getting bullied it could mean that your kid is the bully. And that is not a good thing. Statistics have shown that 60% of boys who were bullies in middle school had at least one conviction by the age of 24.

• Bullies prey on lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem. Teach your kids to look the bully straight in the eye and tell them to stop. Bullies pick easy targets. Standing toe to toe with one will intimidate them and cause them to pick on someone else.

• Having a girl does not prevent her from being a bully or getting bullied.

• Bullying requires an audience. Tech your kids to walk away when they witness bullying.

• Communication is key. Make sure your kids are comfortable talking about their day and their friends.

• Avoid overprotecting your kids. Sheltering them will avoid their need to solve their own problems.

Bullying is a serious issue in the world today. Many kids are bullied to the point of dropping out of school, depression, and even suicide. Good luck noodads.