KNOCK IT OFF! Bullying
People of all ages bully others. It’s so sad. Have you witnessed bullying in action lately? I have.
While waiting for my items to be bagged at the store a couple weeks ago I witnessed an interesting exchange. I was the last customer in line before the cashier was to go on break. He had already turned off the light for the check-out lane when a mom with three kids bustled in and started unloading her cart onto the conveyer belt.
“I’m sorry, but this lane is closed. The lane next to us is open,” the cashier told her.
Rather than thanking him, she tossed the few items back into the cart, pulled the cart out, and loudly exclaimed to her kids, “This is ridiculous. Come on, let’s go find a manager to yell at.”
My first thought was “How RUDE!”. My second thought was, “Oh, the poor cashier. Did she think she could intimidate him into checking her out?” My third thought was, “What is that mom teaching her children, rudeness and intimidation work? If you don’t get your way, holler and complain?”
But did I do anything? No. I spoke kindly to the cashier but I didn’t say a word to the angry mom. (I probably should have because I’m still thinking about it.) I often fall into the camp of disbelief. Did I really see someone behave like that? Then I’m irritated with myself for not speaking up. And honestly, thankful I wasn’t on the receiving end of her nasty look and words.
There are a variety of reasons our kids don’t do anything about bullying they observe. In fact 56% who witness bullying altercations don’t do a thing about it. They might not expect others to act mean. They may be afraid being picked on by the bully. Or perhaps it’s become so commonplace they don’t even notice, which is very sad.
As parents, we need to encourage our kids to speak up if they see someone being bullied. A very wise man once said, “It takes only one kid to look at the bully and say, “Really? Knock it off.”
• Brainstorm and role-play scenarios your child could encounter.
• Talk about the difference between telling and tattling. Telling an adult what’s going on is to be helpful, getting someone out of trouble. Tattling is sneaky and meant to get somebody in trouble.
• Train kids to stand up for themselves and those who are in need.
• Pray for your child to see those in need of a friend. Ask the Lord for courage for your child to stand next the bullied kid and tell the bully to “Knock it off.”
A friend loves at all times…
Proverbs 17:17a
© 2013 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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