About Karen Triggiani
How To Address Bullying: Tips for Parents on all Sides of the Conflict
Part
1: Recognizing the Signs
by Karen Triggiani
About the Author: A
former self-employed medical consultant based in Pasadena, California, Karen
Triggiani currently devotes her time to a variety of issues related to child
development. As bullying has proven a serious problem for children of all ages,
Karen Triggiani offers the following advice for parents with children involved
in such a situation.
Few, if any, rational adults would disagree with
the idea that bullying poses a substantial threat to the normal development of
children. Indeed, it seems that whenever a large group of children is left
unchecked in a social situation for long enough, some form of bullying tends to
arise.
Parents and caretakers represent the first, and arguably the
strongest, line of defense against bullying. These caretakers have the duty to
help prevent bullying, and to cut it off as soon as possible when it does
happen. This responsibility extends to guardians of both the child being bullied
and of the child doing the bullying, and even the parents of children who
witness the bullying.
Most often, victims of bullying are instructed to
tell a trustworthy adult. Unfortunately, due to such factors as fear and
embarrassment, not all children will do so. To counter this, you need to keep an
open line of communication with your child. Look for telltale signs, such as low
self-image and a sudden decrease in desire to attend school.
It can be
much more difficult to sympathize with the child who is doing the bullying.
There is no all-encompassing reason why some children bully others, and you
probably know your child best. Ironically, most bullies suffer from some form of
low self-esteem, but instead of internalizing it like their victims, they act
out aggressively towards others. Another indication that your child may be
engaging in bullying includes limited social skills, specifically a lack of
empathy.
Even if your child does not get bullied or bully others, he or
she may witness it on a daily basis. Ask your children if any of their
classmates habitually pick on others, and whether they think they should do
something about it. This may prove an invaluable opportunity to teach your child
the value of sympathy and doing the right
thing.
Part
1: Recognizing the Signs
by Karen Triggiani
About the Author: A
former self-employed medical consultant based in Pasadena, California, Karen
Triggiani currently devotes her time to a variety of issues related to child
development. As bullying has proven a serious problem for children of all ages,
Karen Triggiani offers the following advice for parents with children involved
in such a situation.
Few, if any, rational adults would disagree with
the idea that bullying poses a substantial threat to the normal development of
children. Indeed, it seems that whenever a large group of children is left
unchecked in a social situation for long enough, some form of bullying tends to
arise.
Parents and caretakers represent the first, and arguably the
strongest, line of defense against bullying. These caretakers have the duty to
help prevent bullying, and to cut it off as soon as possible when it does
happen. This responsibility extends to guardians of both the child being bullied
and of the child doing the bullying, and even the parents of children who
witness the bullying.
Most often, victims of bullying are instructed to
tell a trustworthy adult. Unfortunately, due to such factors as fear and
embarrassment, not all children will do so. To counter this, you need to keep an
open line of communication with your child. Look for telltale signs, such as low
self-image and a sudden decrease in desire to attend school.
It can be
much more difficult to sympathize with the child who is doing the bullying.
There is no all-encompassing reason why some children bully others, and you
probably know your child best. Ironically, most bullies suffer from some form of
low self-esteem, but instead of internalizing it like their victims, they act
out aggressively towards others. Another indication that your child may be
engaging in bullying includes limited social skills, specifically a lack of
empathy.
Even if your child does not get bullied or bully others, he or
she may witness it on a daily basis. Ask your children if any of their
classmates habitually pick on others, and whether they think they should do
something about it. This may prove an invaluable opportunity to teach your child
the value of sympathy and doing the right
thing.