Bullies can be stopped when bullied children develop a skill that gives them self-confidence. Bullies fear self-confident kids. The tables turn. They now feel intimidated.
Many family members search for help to aid them when they realize their child is being intimidated by bullies. They discuss the problem with their child's teacher. They speak to the school principal. They contact the bully's parents. They talk to the bully. After all is said and done, the problem usually persists. The bullied child continues to be bullied. The bully is unstoppable.
We know bullying is very detrimental to our children and grandchildren's emotional health. Their self-confidence and self-esteem is bruised; their disposition is affected. Some of our children and grandchildren will become withdrawn; some will become angry and belligerent; there are suicides; some will carry the scars of being bullied all of their lives.
I want to share the story of Skylar, my granddaughter. She was a bullied child, but thankfully not for long! Hopefully her story may help a child in your family.
Skylar was bullied because of her size. It started in middle school. From the time she was a little girl, she was head's taller than the other children in her class. She was vulnerable to bully attacks. The bullies took little time going after their prey.
Fortunately, from the time she was a little girl, she played catch with her father in the back yard before dinner. It became a routine event, and because they live in a warm climate, a year round activity. They would throw hundreds of softballs back and forth, and as time passed my son-in-law realized Skylar was throwing back balls with increasing speed.
It was about this time that my granddaughter, because of her size, began being plagued by bullies in her school. There was no stopping the torment.
My daughter and son-in-law decided to focus Skylar on a sport: girls' softball. She would strive for a goal; to make the young girl's softball league which would further prepare her, when she reached high school, to try out for her high school team and try to become the teams first string softball pitcher. Her parents hired a coach. She practiced with her father. She made the league, and eventually became one of their pitchers. When she reached high school, she was prepared to try out for the team. Skylar became the school's star pitcher.
Playing a team sport taught her discipline on the field and in the classroom. She stayed physically fit and lean. She made friendships and learned fair play. She walks with her head held high. All of the above gave her self-confidence. Her confidence chased the bullies away.
Skylar is now 18-years-old and a pitcher on the Varsity team in college. She is a division one pitcher and earned a full scholarship to her university. She is 6' tall, a beautiful girl with long flowing hair, and perfect posture. She has pristine values and a strong sense of self.
She landed on her feet and channeled her emotions in a positive way; thanks to her parents.
The lesson for family members: The bullies did not change. However, Skylar changed.
There are so many avenues to explore with your bullied child. Art, music, dance, athletics, computer science, writing, etc.
Every child has the potential to excel. Help them find their calling. Devise a plan and forge ahead. They, too, will land on their feet, like Skylar.
I hope Skylar's story helps you. As parents and grandparents you can prevent your child or grandchild from bullying. For those of you who are fortunate not to have a child who falls into this category, pass Skylar's story on to friends and relatives who are trying to deal with this very serious problem (as I am passing Skylar's story on to you).
Do Something GOOD Today: Talk with your children and grandchildren! Communication is Key!