Sticks & Stones

*This article is sponsored by TakePart. Thoughts on bullying and my memories are honest and truly my own.*

Take a moment to take the pledge to STOP bullying!
window.TP = window.TP || {}; window.TP.publisherId = 'b4128ca1f5fdc65952a7525459d98b56'; (function() { TP.init = function() { TP.Event.subscribe('form.submission', function(data) { var i = document.createElement('img'); i.src = 'http://takepart.linqiad.com/click/YOFQaGUMdHJk'; i.width = 1; i.height = 1; document.getElementsByTagName('body')(0).appendChild(i); }); } var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'http://takeaction.takepart.com/assets/publisher.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')(0); s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();
Im sure we have all heard, if not grown up with that phrase..."Sticks & Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." But I know first hand the power of words. How they can bring so much good, and also so very much pain.

We all go through those awkward years and stages of life. Some go through it a lot more gracefully than others. Me, not so much grace. I was goofy looking, a little chubby, very shy and a lot awkward. (Photo to the left is of me in 8th grade.) Looking back and compared to a lot of kids these days, I know things could have been worse. I wouldn't say that I was really bullied, but I was made fun of. I was called silly names that I still remember today.

Names like Maria is a big fat bell. Maria-Is-A-Bella-ringing... And more... They make me laugh now thinking about those silly names that made me so insecure then. But being called names, being hounded and bullied is nothing to laugh at. Those silly words had the power to keep me insecure most of my life. Feeling fat, ugly, unworthy, insecure.... So much so that even now I struggle with compliments.

I also know the power of POSITIVE words. How amazing they can feel when they are said with love and trust. As a momma now I want my kids to use their words positively. I want them to be aware that the words they say can hurt others. I of course would never want them to be bullied (what parent would?), but I want to make them aware of it. And make sure they too are NOT being a bully. I'm raising my kids to have compassion, to use their words positively, and realize the power of their words. To show love, and be someone who takes a stand against bullying.

As parents here are tips that we can do to help our young children:

• Model positive ways for young children to make friends. For example, practice pleasant ways that children can ask to join others in play and take turns in games. Coach older children to help reinforce these behaviors as well. Praise children for appropriate behavior. Help young children understand what behaviors are friendly.
• Help young children learn the consequences of certain actions in terms they can understand. For example, say “if you don’t share, other children may not want to play with you.” Encourage young children to tell an adult if they are treated in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, upset or unhappy, or if they witness other children being harmed.
• Set clear rules for behavior and monitor children’s interactions carefully. Step in quickly to stop aggressive behavior or redirect it before it occurs.
• Use age-appropriate consequences for aggressive behavior. Young children should be encouraged to say “I’m sorry” whenever they hurt a peer, even accidentally. The apology should also be paired with an action. For example, young children could help rebuild a knocked over block structure or replace a torn paper or crayons with new ones.

source: stopbullying.gov

If this is something you desire for your own kids, check out the site stopbullying.gov. Its great for information and resources on how you can talk to your kids about bullying, understanding what bullying is, how to stop bullying, and more. I encourage you to take a look at it if you have children you would like to talk to about bullying.

Parents play a key role in preventing and responding to bullying. If you know or suspect that your child is involved in bullying, there are several resources that may help.

• Recognize the warning signs that your child is involved in bullying. They could be being bullied, bullying others, or witnessing bullying. Although these signs could signal other issues, you should talk to your child if they display any sort of behavioral or emotional changes. Many times kids won’t ask for help, so it is important to know what to look for. If your child is at immediate risk of harming himself or others, get help right away.

source: stopbullying.gov

And if you want to do even more, you can do your part by signing this Pledge Form to help put an end to bullying! Form at the top of this post. ♥ Thanks so much!