How to keep your child strong against bullies.

With so many heart wrenching stories and startling statistics around bullying, the topic is understandably gaining a lot of attention. So as a parent, what can you do now to prepare your child for what may lie ahead?

In many ways, bully proofing your kids starts at home.

1. Give your kids a household free from violence.

Children who are raised in households where violence is present are at a higher risk of feeling the effects of bullying. Parents of these children are often also distracted by the situation and are therefore more likely to miss the signs of bullying or have the emotional energy available to properly deal with the situation. 

2. Show your kids how to form loving relationships. 

Lead by demonstration and show your kids how to form respectful, loving relationships where conflict is dealt with in an effective way. Young children watch everything you do, so think about the way you communicate with people, and how you talk about others in front of your children.

3. Nurture your relationship.

By keeping the lines of communication open, your child will feel more comfortable to share their problems with you. So you might know about bullying earlier on. It's important that your child knows you are available for them, whenever they feel like sharing so make a conscious effort to spend quality time with them, and ensure they know you are there.

4. Actively seek happiness. 

With the busy nature of parenting we can easily forget to just "be" happy. Easy to say I know. But try and take the time to involve your kids (and yourself) in activities where the sole purpose is to put a smile on their face. Activities like feeding ducks at the local park or riding bikes show kids that they have the power to change their mood simply by the activities they choose. It's a great skill to develop, and can really aid stress levels later in life.

5. Help them find a hobby. 

Kids, like adults, get a great sense of achievement and self esteem from being good at an activity. And it's true, everyone is good at something. Spend time with your kids finding where their talents and passions lie. Having a hobby is a great way of mentally tuning out, having a break and focusing energies.

6. Teach your kids to stand up for themselves. 

There is nothing wrong with teaching your kids that they have the right to stand up for themselves. In fact, it's fantastic if it's done in a way which still shows respect for others. Dr. Laura Markham says being able to assertively say "It's my turn now" or "It's not okay to hit me" shows bullies that you child is not happy to be pushed around.

What tactics do you use to try and bully-proof your kids?

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