It’s always been hard to be a kid—trying to fit in, wanting to have friends.  Perhaps it’s harder now than ever.  When you encounter a bully, feeling as though you don’t fit in can be especially painful.

Bullies can be male or female, young children or teens.  Their own low self esteem makes them want to put other kids down.  Bullying almost always happens out of view of adults, including teachers.  But you can encourage your child to report to you (or to a teacher or counselor) incidents of bullying they experience or witness.  Occasionally ask if they know someone who is picked on.  Rehearse with them things they might say if they are bullied, or if they witness bullying.  Antagonizing a bully, or entering a physical altercation, is unadvised, especially since they tend to choose victims who are smaller and physically weaker.

What if your child is the bully?  Studies show that early intervention can help bullies overcome their need to induce fear in others.  If intervention doesn’t happen, though, the bully has a far greater risk of not learning how to be successful in work or relationships.

By far the best article we’ve seen on bullying is this one from The American Academy of Pediatrics.  It gives extremely helpful advice about how to help your child survive bullying and develop appropriate social skills.

Teach your child to make friends, and they’ll forever be grateful.

Artwork by Josh

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