Bullies can be a harsh part of life for children at school. Bullying statistics say half of all children are bullied at some point during school, and 10 percent of kids are bullied regularly.
It is important to talk to your children about bullies and unsafe situations while away from home. Creating a safe space to talk about fears and experiences is essential to raising a child to be emotionally intelligent and equipped for life. Here are some bullying facts and things to keep in mind when having a conversation with your child about bullies.
When talking to your kids about bullies, create situations for them to respond to or think about. Ask them questions like, “What do you do when you see another kid being bullied?” Try to see if they can recognize bullying when they see it. Ask them, “How do you know when you or someone else is being bullied?” Bullying statistics show the average bullying situation lasts 37 seconds and recognizing these intervals is the first step.
Just because you’ve had a hard conversation with your child once, this doesn’t mean it’s over. Continue to bring up difficult topics and keep the lines of communication open between you and your child. Quiz them about their knowledge of bullying facts. You never know when a situation may occur, and you want your child to feel comfortable sharing and coming to you for help.
There are simple ways to stay more connected to your child’s life away from home. Little things like greeting and getting to know your child’s bus driver can make a big difference in his or her safety at school. Check the school website often and keep in regular contact with your child’s teachers and other parents.
Talking to your kids about bullying requires honest communication and trust. Your children should feel like it’s easy to ask you for help or advice in tough situations. Start the conversation with them to avoid them becoming a part of bullying statistics. To explore more ways to build trust between you and your child, contact NannySure today!
Photo Courtesy of: Pimkie