Don’t you scowl when you see a group of kids ganging up on a defenseless one? Don’t you find it revolting when you hear unsavory comments being hurled at an innocent person for being different? As apparent from these two questions, yes, today, we are here to talk about bullies. Nobody wants to be raising a bully, but do you know that bullies could be living under your roof right now?
Sounds disturbing? Now, you must be asking, “Who?” The answer may disgruntle you, but it may be your children. Notice that we have used the word “may” instead of “is.” It is because you mustn’t tag them without knowing the actual truth. However, it isn’t going to be easy. Plus, you can’t rely on second-hand accounts as they aren’t always reliable. The easiest way to find out is by watching for certain red flags. So today, in this article below, we at Delhi Public School Kangra, ranked among the top CBSE schools in Kangra, will be sharing with you a few cues which will help you identify if your child is turning into a bully and put a control on him/her well in time.
Being vigilant is the key!
Let’s face it; no parent wants to hear that their child is a bully. But is it too hard to imagine? Emotions are unpredictable, especially those in a child. However, there are some signs that will guide you to the truth. Shared below are the most important ones:
- Are they keeping bad company? A dead giveaway at spotting a bully is when you look at the people they’re keeping company. Good company yields calm and kind behavior, while bad company corrupts the mind. We are sure that as a loving parent, you would want your child’s mind to remain untainted. Thus, make sure you remove them from such social circles as soon as possible.
They might feel you’re taking them away from their friends, but be honest and tell them why. They may not like your reasoning initially, but trust us, they’ll thank you later. As far as the others in the group are concerned, call their parents and tell them what their kids have been up to. They’ll thank you too!
- Are they exhibiting bad behavior: Fighting, yelling, hitting – Does this sound familiar? Yes, we understand that at least one of these actions is portrayed by children once in a while, and that’s normal. After all, it’s a byproduct of many things, such as anger, frustration, and impulsiveness.
However, if you notice a sudden change in your child’s behavior, which is more on the bad and negative side, make it a point to talk to them and root it out immediately by getting to the bottom. All it takes is a heart-to-heart conversation. Try and make them understand that what they did was wrong and how it may hurt others. If you get through to them, they’ll realize their folly. Tell them why they should be apologetic to the person with whom they misbehaved. Let them know that innumerable friendships have been borne through this conscientious act. Some have even lasted a lifetime.
- Are they being aggressive towards their younger siblings: This is another telltale sign. Although unfortunate, older siblings often misconstrue their younger counterparts as their competition. They feel it’s okay to assert dominance over them via hurtful statements or abuse. However, as a decision-making adult, you must put an immediate end to this. You should reiterate the truth that they are equal. You should also instill in their minds why they need to look after one another, as they are one and the same and should never be separated.
- Are they showing intolerance towards others: Intolerance gives rise to cruelty! Period. The modern era has many acceptable flaws, but intolerance has no place in it. It’s a repugnant behavior that should be removed entirely from a child’s mind. Now, do we really need to mention intolerance and its guises? We don’t think so. Being a sensible parent, you are aware of what we are talking about. Thus, see to it that your kids realize how badly their behavior might be affecting the sentiments of others.
Remember, our country is diverse, and our children are its future. Would you want them to grow up amongst bigotry? Absolutely not! So, step up and take the stand now!
There’s no middle ground when it comes to right and wrong!
Just remember, bullying gets people nowhere. It makes people feel powerful, but in reality, this power is hollow. At DPS Kangra, one of the top CBSE schools in Kangra, we firmly believe that true power comes through courage and the willingness to do the right thing. So, encourage your kids to stop bullying the moment they see it too. However, they mustn’t use violent means, or else they’ll become the thing they sought to prevent. Instead, teach them to be tactful and diplomatic. Hopefully, you’ve found this piece from DPS Kangra helpful. We wish you great success in your parenting endeavors and are sure you’ll pass with flying colors. Happy parenting!