Bullying is a big word, it instantly conjures up emotions for us as adults. Maybe just the word alone triggers a response connected to our childhood. This emotion could mean we respond to a situation or a conversation with our child in a reactive way, we might then limit the open dialogue between an adult and child about situations at school.
Being curious with children allows the conversation to flow. Curious to explore situations, offering empathy along the way and helping the child to work through what might have happened that day. Helping children to understand the differences between bullying, conflict and relationship challenges. The more open we can be. Calming listening and exploring situations.
Schools can be tough places, they are a melting pot of personalities, differences, and cultures. Providing children with emotional literacy and vocabulary equips them to problem-solve and reflect on what might have been tricky that day in school. In the past children have told me that they don’t tell Mum and Dad about something that hurt them as they don’t want them to be upset. Staying calm and listening can help children to focus on themselves and not their parents’ possible reaction.
We all know how we feel as parents, we want to protect and save our child from hurt. Sometimes this might not be helpful and a curious exploration of facts and feelings is vital.
This is one of the reasons the Anti Bullying Alliance (which coordinates the campaign each year in England and Wales) has chosen ‘One Kind Word’ as one of their themes of Anti-Bullying.
How can we be a part of the One Kind Word Movement?
- Be Kind; Ask if someone is feeling okay. Are they having a good day?
- Listen to their answer. Give someone your full attention to hear their response to how are you.
- Model kindness to children and how to listen
- Encourage children to practice their kindness skills- work on suggestions together that you can do as a family.
- Explore feelings and expand on emotional vocabulary to help communication. A great game for this is @smartheartboardgame
- Take the time to be kind to others. One Kind Word really can make a difference, especially for those who may be struggling. It can be a turning point. It can make their day and it can help break the cycle of bullying.
- Kindness fuels kindness. One kind word or one act of kindness leads to another. So, whoever you are, wherever you are, online or offline, remember one act of kindness can create a ripple effect that spreads outwards, touching the lives of others and inspiring kindness everywhere.
- It starts with One Kind Word. It starts today.