Being a parent can bring obstacles. One of those obstacles is ensuring you are having engaging conversations with your child about their school days. Unfortunately, bullying is a big problem in schools today. That sentence hurts my heart so much. I don’t understand how kids can be so mean. It is our job as parents to make sure we are staying engaged so we can help our children through any bullying problems.
Once you are with your child after school, ask them questions that will make them talk to you. Don’t just ask.. “How was your day?” Of course, your child will usually just answer with one word. You need to ask questions such as:
What are three things that you learned in class today?
What are your three favorite things about class today?
Who did you sit with at lunch today?
How was everyone treating each other at school today?
Who are your friends in class?
The questions can vary each day so you are not sounding like a broken record each evening. It is crucial that you get inside your child’s head so they are not holding in emotions and keeping to themselves. We need to be involved in our child’s life and let them know that we are always there for them. Take time away from your phone, your laptop or any other distraction and just spend one-on-one time with your child. It will be good for your soul and your child’s soul. Also, you will be surprised at what your child opens up to you about their life. Communication is so healthy in all relationships. We all can be more effective communicators and that includes with our children.
I heard of a child being bullied today at my girls’ school. My heart breaks for this child and I just want to give her the biggest hug. If you hear your child talk about bullying going on at the school, I would not hesitate to contact the school principal and alert them of the situation. Bullying should be a zero-tolerance policy and needs to be put to a stop ASAP!
Let’s all bond together parents and put a STOP to bullying!
I had a conversation about bullying last night right before putting Princess to sleep. She was so nervous and afraid. I’m glad it all went well for her though but even more grateful that we can have these open conversations.
I do this, and I vary the questions, but I open with “what did you eat for lunch today” and go from there. When he comes home, the routine is to go to the bathroom, change his clothes, get a drink, sit on the couch and decompress for a few minutes. Then he comes in the kitchen and we talk while working on a snack or dinner, and it’s a great time to talk while doing things together.