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Results tagged “bullying” from Momtourage: Need Advice?

My 12-year-old has a disability. How do I prevent others from teasing her?

THE QUESTION :

How do I politely ask other people's children not to point, stare, whisper about and laugh at my 12-year-old daughter with a disability? It's so painful to me that their parents didn't teach them the simple lesson: treat others the way you want to be treated -- with respect and dignity. When they tease my daughter, my first response is outrage, and then I collapse into depression and usually end up coming home in tears.

THE ANSWER:

First, support your daughter. Help her understand why people stare and whisper. Explain to her that it's their problem, not hers -- and that she is beautiful and wonderful and strong. Emphasize that she is differently-abled.

Marilyn Augustyn

My 14-year-old girl is getting bullied by a boy. How can I help her?

THE QUESTION :

My 14-year-old daughter came home from school upset because a boy in her class was picking on her. She says she ignores him, but he won't stop. She won't tell the teacher because she says it's tattling, and I can't get her to tell me what the boy is teasing her about. She won't take my advice and is angry with me for trying to help her talk about it. How do I get my teenager to open up about this?

THE ANSWER:

There are actually two important questions rolled into your one: what to do about a bullying situation and how to talk to your teenager.

Marilyn Augustyn

Can you recommend resources to help my sensitive son adjust to middle school?

THE QUESTION :

My son will be entering middle school this fall. I want to find some books or other resources to help with the transition. He's a smart kid, but a little more sensitive and naive than most boys. He has experienced some bullying this year, and has lost some friends, so I'd like him to make a fresh start in middle school. I've found several books for girls, but nothing to help boys with this.

THE ANSWER:

Starting middle school can be an exciting time filled with many challenges, including changing classrooms, meeting new teachers and making new friends. To help ease the transition for your son, take a tour of the school ahead of time and walk to each of his classes if you know where they are.

Tanya Remer Altmann

Is my son a bully?

THE QUESTION :

I think my 9-year-old son is a bully at school. My husband isn’t worried about it, but I am. The school hasn’t complained, but last week a parent called me up about it. Should I worry?

THE ANSWER:

Yes, this should concern you. Talk to the school and see what the teacher has to say.

If you find out it’s true, talk to your son. A 9-year-old should be able to understand the difference between right and wrong, so talk to him about why he is acting this way. Ask him how he would feel if a friend bullied him. It’s important to let him know that along with such actions come consequences. At this age, a consequence might be a withdrawal of privileges such as watching television, playing video games, playing with friends or other activities.

Tanya Remer Altmann

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