When speaking about this touchy subject of a child being bullied, let me first say that we will only refer to the kids as child being bullied and child doing the bullying so that we are not labeling by calling them a bully or a victim.
First, we all have a role to play in a bullying situation. We can’t and should not brush bullying off as just kids playing. We shouldn’t act as though society is getting soft because we label kids playing as bullying or any of the other excuses that let this go on and on for far too long, eventually causing psychological pain.
Parents, educators, and other adults all have a role to play in helping to get the conversation started about bullying. We have a responsibility to ensure that kids understand that it’s ok to talk about it, that they are not in this alone, how to stand up for themselves safely and responsibly depending on their individual role in the event and keeping the lines of communication open.
Kids who know what bullying is can better identify it. Teach them, discuss with them, and make sure they understand by actively listening and confirming. Talk to them about strategies for staying safe, such as staying near adults, groups, and trusted friends. There are numerous other strategies you can learn, especially at a Bully Prevention Miami approved training center like WMB MARTIAL ARTS.
Research shows us that many people being bullied look to parents and caregivers for advice on making the tough decision on how to deal with it. WMB MARTIAL ARTS recommends spending 15 minutes daily with your child asking questions about their and constantly reassuring them that they can speak to you. Parents don’t realize that sometimes a child will not defend themselves because they are unsure if they will get in trouble from parents.
Start conversations about their daily life to can open the door to a healthy relationship for future conversations. Fostering trust and honesty between you and your children can encourage them to come to you when they are dealing with something difficult like bullying.
Parents: If it makes your kids feel bad, it is not healthy or normal. Do not simply say, “Hit him back!” An eye for an eye is NOT the proper way to handle a child being bullied or the child doing the bullying. Avoid trying to fight battles for your child by confronting the child doing the bullying. Avoid talking them to the back yard and showing them the Bruce Lee moves you learned when you were a child. Work on a systematic approach with the WMB MARTIAL ARTS 9-step Bully Basics Package.
If a child does not feel confident in their abilities, they are less likely to stand up for themselves. How can they defend themselves? When is physical defense like WMB Martial Arts acceptable?
If they tell you about their bullying situation, you have a responsibility to help your child handle the situation in a healthy, productive, effective way. Don’t let them down.
Do you or a loved one have an issue with bullying?
Get more information and schedule some time at: wmbmartialarts.com
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Javill Byron is an accomplished martial artist, entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist based in Miami. As the owner of Top Shot Miami and WMB Martial Arts, Javill strives to serve as a valuable resource for individuals who want to improve their physical abilities and learn to protect themselves. Javill is especially passionate about helping children with disabilities and children who are bullied.
As a philanthropy-minded person, Javill Byron devotes much of his time to his nonprofit, WMB Foundation, Inc., which provides services to families and children diagnosed with ADHD, ADD, or Autism and aims to promote academic success and generally enrich their lives.