Bullying: A Survey and Video For Everyone
1. When I get up in the morning and get ready to go to school, I hope that I: A. Will feel anxious B. Will be disrespected C. Will feel that I have no friends D. Will feel that no one understands E. None of the above 2. When I go to the lunchroom, I […]
Confidence Lesson from Jessica
Thanks to the Parent Dish blog for sharing this video. It’s a great post and well worth your time, including the interview with Jessica who is now 12. That’s what we’re fighting for: preserving the type of spirit that makes Jessica sing in the mirror. It’s worth it to step up and stop anyone who […]
Bullying: Emotional Gymnastics
Is that a real term? If not, it should be. It’s what happens when others make you second guess yourself. It’s a form of bullying. They throw you off your game. They make sure they say something to you to bring you down a notch and then couple that with leaving you out of things. […]
Can Bullying Survive In the Presence of Empathy and Kindness?
Is empathy teachable? Is happiness contagious? Two articles: USA Weekend and Time Magazine say yes to both. That’s good news. It means hope for overwhelmed schools and frustrated parents but most of all, worthy kids. As reported in USA Weekend: When people benefit from kindness, they “pay it forward,” which creates greater cooperation that influences […]
Too Busy To Bully. Too Busy Singing.
P.S. 22 elementary school kids in Staten Island don’t look like they have time to bully. They look like they’re too busy having fun and making music. This is the picture of childhood and school that gives hope. Obviously, their chorus leader has great leadership qualities. This teaches a thing or two about empowerment. Instead […]
Moms Who Care About Other People’s Children, Too
What’s the secret weapon in the fight against bullying in schools? Good anti-bullying programs are important, training is key, school leadership is critical, but they’re not the secret weapon. It’s parents, particularly mothers, who care about all the children in the school, not just their own. These are the moms that show up at workshops, […]
Parents and Bystanders Seem To Be The Key
To change the culture of an elementary and/or middle school, the message has to begin with parents. A recent study confirms that a school climate is dependent on how kids relate to each other which is a direct result of how they are taught at home. It’s hard work to promote respect among students but […]
What Happens When You Turn Away?
I was sick this past week and wanted a good book to distract myself. A friend suggested “Sarah’s Key,” The New York Times bestseller by Tatiana De Rosnay. Sounded light and just what I needed. I was probably the only one in the world who didn’t know it was about the Holocaust. I didn’t know […]
Preventing Bullying on a Budget
Since most every school has a bullying problem, why doesn’t every school have a prevention program? Denial on the part of administrators, lack of interest by parents, teacher cooperation and money are some of the top reasons but none of them are good enough. As for parents, a few parents can make a big difference. […]
Bullying: A Little Less Talk, A Little More Action…and Money
The Phoebe Prince story has the country now (correctly) focused on bullying. There are many great experts doing great work in this field. So why does it feel like so many schools, parents and kids are clueless when it comes to how to handle this devastating issue? Here’s a thought. Until corporations, foundations and/or the […]
