How To Help Your Child Defend Himself Against Bullies Without Fighting Back?
Source: https://www.parents.com/
Bullying is deliberate, repetitive behavior aimed at harming or intimidating someone, and it can take physical, verbal, social, or cyber forms. It has a serious impact on victims, potentially causing anxiety, depression, and long-term emotional damage. Teaching children to defend themselves without resorting to violence is essential for building confidence, emotional resilience, and effective conflict resolution skills.
Practice Being Assertive Over Passive or Aggressive
Assertiveness is a key social skill that helps children navigate conflicts effectively, compared to passive or aggressive responses. Research shows that developing assertiveness can protect against bullying, boost confidence, and improve self-esteem, fostering healthier social relationships. In contrast, passive behavior can harm confidence, while aggressive behavior may lead to bullying or peer rejection.
- Stop: Take a deep breath to calm down before saying anything.
- Think: Count to 5 before responding. Think about how you feel and what you want to say.
- Respond: Say calmly but clearly, “That really hurt. I’m not going to want to play with you if you hit me.”
In conclusion, Assertiveness can be taught to children, even if it doesn’t come naturally to them. Begin by focusing on your child’s social strengths and practicing assertiveness skills through role-playing at home, where they feel safe. With time, your child will become more confident in handling social problems independently and may even help others, like a younger cousin, learn these skills as well.
Image Source:https://www.parents.com/
