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Looking up to put downs
advice for kids who are being teased....
A SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS:
Everyone is laughing because you are wearing a shirt with a hole in the armpit. You didn’t notice this morning when you got dressed and now you are sitting at your desk arms folded around you wishing you were never born……
You can’t run the track because you are just too out of shape. When you stop to breathe you can hear them calling you a fat cow and chanting “moo moo”…….
You’re new sneakers aren’t Nikes, Reeboks or Fila, your mom bought them at payless because she just doesn’t have enough extra money to put food on the table and buy you name brand shoes. Red-faced you’re trying to hide your feet under your chair before anyone notices them……
One of the hardest things to deal with in life is when someone is putting you down and hurting your feelings on purpose. At one time or another almost everyone has had to deal with being put down. And although It may still hurt inside when someone is picking on you, with our tips you may be able to feel a little better about yourself and handle yourself with a bit more dignity while they’re doing it.
1. KEEP YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH
Ignore people that try to hurt your feelings, they will not get the satisfaction if they don’t upset you.
2. SMILE AND LAUGH AT YOURSELF
If you can laugh with them, then how can they hurt you? Even if you’re crying on the inside, don’t let it show.
It’s no fun for a bully to pick on someone who laughs along.
3. SAY, “SO”
If they say, “you smell” say, “so.” If they say "you have boobies" say "yes, I'm growing." If you don't let it bother you than they will usually leave you alone.
4. LOVE YOURSELF AND ACCEPT YOUR DIFFERENCES.
Everyone is different. And our differences are what make us special. Remember that you are unique, and that you are special. Don’t let bullies convince you that what they are saying is true.
5. STAND UP FOR YOURSELF
If you can’t laugh with them then tell them to stop. You can also tell a parent, teacher or school counselor what has been going on.
Being constantly teased or bullied at school can lead to low self-esteem, childhood depression that leads to adult depression, eating disorders, and in worse case scenario’s suicide. If your child expresses to you that someone (or everyone) at school is teasing him/her then please do not take it lightly! Contact the school and make it a point that you do not want this to continue. Many schools have an “anti-hazing” policy that every student signs at the beginning of the year, promising not to tease others. The school has a responsibility to enforce this and punish students that violate it. You can also contact the parents of the children that are doing this, and if your child will not tell you the names of the bullies, you need to find out other ways, going to the school, asking other children. We all want our children to have fond memories of school, and sometimes need to work extra hard as parents to ensure that this happens!
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