as far as discipline goes...

what can we do as neighbors to keep our kids free from bullying while our kids are out playing? recently my 9 yr old walked 2 blocks away and was cussed out by a 7th grader. this person who did this is new to our area, doesn't really know my child or us, but i know another parent that knows the 7th graders parents, will anything be done probably not but what do we do to help our sensitive child get around being bullied with out becoming like the offender? i have an older child also in middle school, who gets chased by (for the lack of a good word to use) mean kids from what i have been told is the bad part of town, this has been settled for now but my 9 yr old is very sensitive to other peoples thoughts and hurtful words. we try to explain thathe/she doesn't have to listen to it but to walk away, but still hears the shouting, any ideas how to handle any of this? i don't want to punish mine for things the older kid does or says.

Parent Answers to "as far as discipline goes..."

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It sounds to me like most of your experiences are occurring outside the school setting. They should not be reflective of the schools in the district. Ely is a great town with a lot of great people. Everyone knows everyone. My advice would be to talk to their parents. Also, evaluate your own child's behavior. It takes two to tango.

Firstly, have the parents been informed and have you confronted them on this?And have the boy been confronted? Sounds to me like lack of home training.

I can relate, anon. Me being bullied as a kid, as well as having a child receive the same treatment. Let your child know it's not their fault. I hate to say this, but instill mental toughness in him/her by some type of confidence bulider such as self-defense, or sports.

Kids can only take so much. If something happens to the point your kid puts his hands on this person, let your kid know it's not his fault for defending himself.

Talk to your child about bullies.Talk to the teachers. Their parents. Chances are the bully may be trying to get your child's friendship, or as always, the needed attention he envies you are giving your kid. After talking to personnel, even his parents, and after all of this hasn't worked, let your kid know words are meaningless, UNLESS THEY TOUCH YOU PHYSICALLY. That's when the line is drawn.

As long as this sorry person sees he is doing a good job in ruining your kid's self-esteem, (because obviously bullies don't have one,), he's going to keep doing it.

Sometimes the passive role isn't the best way. Because if the parents know about the bully's behavior towards anyone, and they haven't done anything about it, they need to be confronted...HARD. No excuse.

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