Bullying is a problem many parents worry about. Though no parent wants his child to be bullied, in some ways it's even harder to cope when your child is the one doing the bullying. Bullying is an immediate problem, but a child who bullies now may also be prone to behavior problems down the road, including fighting, vandalizing property, stealing, drinking, smoking and skipping school, according to the U.S Health Resources and Services Administration's Stop Bullying Now campaign.
Step 1
Let your child know that bullying is never OK, and make rules to back up your statements. Establish clear, consistent punishments for bullying behavior so that your child associates bullying with consequences.
Step 2
Spend time with your child, and familiarize yourself with your child's hobbies, friends and beliefs. Talk to your child about how she spends her time, and join her in her everyday activities when you are able to do so. Talk to your child's teacher or school counselor about your child's behavior. Arm yourself with information about your child's life.
Step 3
Be conscious of your own behavior. Sometimes behavior that's acceptable for adults translates to bullying behavior when kids copy it, or you might be acting like a bully without realizing it.
Step 4
Praise your child when you catch him choosing nonbully behaviors. Offer positive reinforcement to help your child associate good feelings with good behavior.
Step 5
Give your child the opportunity to spend time with people of different races, religions, ages and economic positions. The more opportunities your child has to recognize similarities she has with other people, the less likely she is to bully them because of perceived differences.
Step 6
Enlist help if you need it. Bullying is a serious pattern of behavior for some children, and even with your best efforts and intentions, you may not be able to help your child stop his habit of bullying without help from a therapist or counselor. Don't be embarrassed to seek help if you need it.
Tips and Warnings
- Bullying can take the form of physical violence---hitting, fighting and shoving---or verbal abuse, such as calling other children names or making fun of people.
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