Unfortunately, bullies are everywhere.  And while it typically begins happening more in standard 1 and standard 2, it is important to set your child up for success should they ever encounter a bully.

 

As parents, we want the best for our children.  We want them to be healthy, safe and happy, and to do well in school.  But when a child is being bullied, it can start affecting their grades, their confidence, and their health.  So how do we teach them to cope with being bullied without teaching them physical violence?  How can we show them how to respond to the situation in a positive way that doesn’t hurt anyone else?

 

We have done some research on this topic and we found something that is in perfect alignment with not only the morals and values of our school in PJ, but it is in alignment with how we raise our own children!

 

Tips to Help your Child Respond Positively to Bullies in School

  1. Teach your child to respond to a bully immediately.

Having an issue drag on for a long period of time can impact a child’s ability to respond.  Ask your child how their school mates treat them.  If your child is being bullied, sit down with them, and ask them questions on how they think they should respond.  Then form an action plan on how they can respond to the situation.

 

  1. Teach your child to utilise a buddy-system.

One course-of-action is to teach your child the power of a buddy system.  If they are playing on the playground with a friend or two, this can deter a bully from approaching aggressively.  Number one, there are witnesses, and number two, it’s easier to pick on one kid rather than two or three.

 

  1. Teach your child nonviolent communication.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best way to destroy your enemy is to make them your friend.”  Keep in mind, approaching a bully and communicating with them depends on the context of a situation.  Teach your child to ask them questions like, “Why do you like picking on others?”  And to keep asking questions.  This helps to get a conversation going and to help your child understand what is going through the mind of a bully.

 

  1. Teach your child assertiveness.

One of the best things that can deter a bully is having self-confidence and assertiveness.  Teaching your child to say things like, “Don’t talk to me like that,” the minute bully starts helps to create those boundaries.  When it goes on too long, it becomes more and more difficult to create those boundaries.

 

  1. Bring in an adult when necessary.

While many parents would step in immediately to help their child in a situation like this, in certain situations it may be good that a child stands up for themselves first before an adult intervenes.

Tell your child to talk to their teacher or principal.  If the teacher or principal don’t take action, then it may be time for mom and dad to get a hold of the school and start a dialog there.

In summary, bullying is not a fun topic or experience, but it happens every day.  Teaching your child how to respond nonviolently to a situation like this can support them in problem-solving and in their social skills later on in life!

 

About Little Human Scholars School in PJ

Little Human Scholars is an all-in-one childcare solution.  It is a preschool, playschool, kindergarten, nursery and full day daycare centre (with extended hours) located in the heart of PJ.

 

In fact, the location is one of the things which makes Little Human Scholars so sought after – it is conveniently nestled near Jalan Gasing, University hospital, PJ Old town, PJ New town, Jaya One, Jaya33, and the PJ IT Mall.

 

The best part is LHS has premiere services many other schools in PJ don’t offer such as full day daycare with extended hours, CCTV access for parents, and a nifty little phone app called Toddlytic which provides parents with automatic updates on their child’s development, behaviour and health checks.

 

With full-time guards always present at each of their locations, access to CCTV (which is in every room except the office, bathroom and kitchen areas), and very strict pick-up and drop-off rules, Little Human Scholars treats every child who walks into its hallways as one of their own children!

 

This place has it all:  location, safety, health, IGSCE curriculum and play-based learning.  What more could you ask for?  Did I mention they also have transportation services and offer meal plans for students?  It doesn’t get any better than that.

 

If you are interested in a tour of one of our centres (that’s right, there’s more than one), all you need to do is fill out the form here or call +6017-7303-025 and an LHS administrative staff will get back with you shortly!

 

Cheers,

 

Jana Moreno