It hurts. Hurt. Ashamed. Scared. Sad. These and other "mixes" of feelings is experienced by a child who is constantly ridiculed. Some firmly withstand the attacks of peers, fight back and put the offenders in place. And others are closed in themselves and very hard to survive the ridicule of classmates. So how can you help your child through this difficult period of growing up?
The No. 1 task of parents is to teach their child how to respond in a way that will discourage the bully from laughing. Child psychologists suggest several effective strategies:
- Questioning the mockery. For example - "Why do you say that?", "Why do you say I'm stupid, ugly?".
- Send the bully a convincing "I want" message. Let the child say "I want you not to talk to me" or another variant "I want you not to tease me". But here it is important to say it clearly, loudly and in a confident voice.
- Turn an offense into a compliment. The child may turn it into a joke and respond with "Thank you for that compliment" or "How nice of you to notice that!"
- Use sarcasm. Phrases like "Like I care", "You don't have to make me laugh", "That's just fine" will do.
- To show his amazement, wonder. "Really? I had no idea," "Thanks for telling me." This should be said with a touch of irony.
- Ignore the ridicule. As soon as the bully starts his "game," walk away immediately. You can imagine that he is invisible and look at something else. This strategy is the best option if it is not easy for the child to respond with words.
Whatever strategy your child chooses, it is very important for him or her to feel the support of the people closest to him or her - mom and dad. In any situation, be a friend who can always be trusted.