Bullying

This is a subject we all dread and fear....what if our kids are bullied. How should they respond? How should WE respond?

Fortunately, we have had just a few incidents of bullying and the situation didn't escalate. So please understand I am just again a parent offering some tips of what has worked for us.

In grade school, when our kids were called names (you are so stupid, weird, whatever) their response was always "SO?" A quick little two letter word that pretty well stumped the would be bully. We then told them to just walk away (if on the playground).

In middle school we emailed/called the teacher and made them aware of the situation if it was occurring during class. Sometimes it could be alleviated by a quick seating chart change...let's face it....we all don't get along with everyone...some folks are just like oil and water.

In junior high our guidance counselor offered this solution (because I was in need of being talked off the ledge worrying about what junior high would be like). She provided a laminated pass to our daughter to be kept in her pencil pouch. Anytime she felt bullied or unsafe, she was to pull out the pass and give it to the teacher saying "I forgot I have an appointment with (guidance counselor) and need to go".

The teacher would then let our child out of class/lunch/wherever with no questions asked. Our child was to head directly to the guidance office where the counselor would email the teacher once the situation had been explained and sorted out.

We have NEVER had to use this in 7th and so far, not in 8th grade. Probably was more for my peace of mind, not our daughter's.

As we prepare for our IEP transition to high school (again, I am climbing up on the ledge :) I will definitely be considering asking for a similar pass to be allowed....so I can climb down to safety :)

What has worked for you?