Bullying is all about exercising power and control so you need an authority to back up your child. You may be saying kids need to fight their own battles but not when the extreme of abuse takes place. Sad but true: it could be a teacher or an adult who is your child's bully. You may have to remove the child from a class or a teacher or even a school or another child's parent. Your child should not be made to feel miserable every day, childhood is hard enough. You are responsible for your child's welfare and bottom line if you have to offend a few people that is just how it has to be to protect your child.

  1. Listen to your child. Do not allow someone who is habitually cruel or overbearing towards your kid to continue to get away with it.
  2. Look at the circumstances. Is there a size factor or an age factor? If a six grader is picking on a first grader this is not even a fair fight. Or are there three of them to your one kid? Bullies are always cowards.
  3. You should ask yourself this question? Is my child being picked on or traumatized? Think of what is being said to your child.
  4. Look at the situation closely. Is the pressure that is being placed on my child fair or are they being treated roughly or even being oppressed.
  5. Stop the abuse. Step up and address the issue of hurt feelings.
  6. Ask others if they think the child is being bullied. Many times those who are not emotionally involved will see things clearer.
  7. Check for signs of intimidation. Is your child made to be afraid that some unfair price will need to be paid?
  8. Listen for threats of intimidation. A declaration by someone of the intent to inflict punishment, pain or a loss upon your child is intimidation. There is a difference in making a kid work for rewards and imposing a punishment.
  9. Question your child about abusive words. Such things as verbal threats, put downs and insults are abusive.
  10. Open your eyes to put downs. Is your child left out, not given what everyone else is given, or ridiculed for something they have? It could be either a nicer or less desirable house or an older or better car or their clothes or any other differences.
  11. Watch for signs of aggression. If your child is not treated just like everyone else, it is up to you to step up to the plate and protect your child from harm. Yes, kids will be kids, but there should be an even ground. If it is a rude adult against a seven year old that is just an adult being a BULLY. If your child has special needs you may have to protect your child even more as people can be cruel with those they see as different. Abuse and ill treatment needs to be stopped. No one needs to accept this treatment daily. Today, to make matters worse, kids can be abused on the Internet and via text messages. So it is important to monitor watch cell phones and other forms or electronic media.