When parents hear that their child is bullying others, it is a normal reaction for them to deny or defend the bullying. They can help keep the conversation more calm by asking the person to tell them about the problem without yelling or labeling their child a bully, and by reassuring them that they will talk to the child who has been acting like a bully. Parenting a bully starts with recognizing your child may be bullying other children. Parents of a child who is bullying others may not know how to approach the problem. Sometimes a school counselor or a mental health professional can help them understand the concepts associated with parenting a bully. Children and teens can bully for a number of reasons, including feeling insecure, having watched another person act like a bully, having been bullied themselves, or feeling that bullying can get them what they want.
Things you can do:
- Set good examples.
- Explain how bullying is wrong and hurt others.
- Make clear your family rules about bullying and how they have consequences. Explain what the consequences will be.
- Spend time with your children and ask questions about their activities and friends. Get to know their friends.
- Monitor behavior which includes computer and cell phone.
- Encourage positive goals and activities.
- Make sure they get help if they are struggling in any aspect of life such as school.
- Get counseling if your child is bullying to see if you can understand why and ways to help your child.