Write an article based on this "Watch for signs that your child is being bullied. Talk to your child about their feelings. Empower your child by asking them questions. Find solutions together. Encourage your child to choose kindness over popularity. Remind your child what true friends look like. Monitor your child's social media usage. Speak to teachers and administrators if the meanness gets out of hand."
Bullying can affect your child for life, causing long-term effects like low self esteem or even suicide. It's important that you address bullying immediately. Children do not always open up about bullying, but there are some signs you can watch for: Sudden bed-wetting Headaches Stomach aches Sleep issues Skin problems Dizziness Abdominal pain If your child has been dealing with a mean girl, it's important to help them sort through their emotions. Empathize with your child to help them feel heard. Validate their feelings by saying something like, "Wow, it was mean of Sophie to take your phone and text your crush to tell him that you like him. No wonder you're feeling frustrated and embarrassed. I'd feel that way too." Show that you care and are willing to listen by asking your child about their challenges with the mean girl. This may make them more comfortable with coming to you when they're struggling to handle tiffs with mean girls in the future. Asking questions should also help them learn how to fully express what they're feeling and why they're feeling it. For example, if your child says "I don't like Jenny," then you might ask, "Why not? What did she do that you didn't like?" Once your child is in tune with their emotions, start a dialogue about what to do in the situation. Even if your child says they want to hit the mean girl or call her names back, validate their thoughts and suggestions. Then guide them towards a healthier solution. For example, you might say, "I understand why you're feeling hurt, and why you want to hurt her back. But what other ways do you think you could respond to her mean behavior?" Don't just tell your child what to do. Letting them find solutions on their own is much more empowering and will help them feel heard, understood, and supported. If your child is willingly spending time with the mean girl, they may get pressured to be mean to others also. Try to explain to your child the importance of prioritizing kindness over popularity, as doing this may lead to fewer regrets and will also surround them with people that bring them happiness. It can be difficult for kids to know who their true friends are. Communicate to your child that anyone who calls them names or does things to hurt them doesn't have their best interest at heart. Encourage your child to spend their time with those who are supportive of them 100% of the time. Mean girls often use social media as a bullying tool. If your child has access to computers or smartphones, stay up to date on the new apps and current social media bullying methods so that you can monitor what's being said to and about your child online. Be "friends" with your child on social media. Talk to your child about how you'll be monitoring them on social media. If you hide this from your child, they may feel like their privacy is being invaded and lose trust in you. If the mean girl is constantly pestering your child, you may feel like you can't do much about it because you're not there with them. Schedule a meeting with your child's teacher(s) and/or administrator(s) to bring the problem to their attention. That way, they can keep an eye on the mean girl and put a stop to the meanness as soon as it starts. Seek out professional mental help for your child if the bullying persists or has lasting effects on your child's self-esteem.