I just watched a news segment that said bullying is an epidemic and it is more viscious than ever. Last month you all heard about the middle school boy who hung himself after being teased and tormented by his classmates. He was a sweeet and sensitive boy who just couldn’t take it. I saw his parents on tv and I wanted to choke his mother for not moving him out of that school and neighborhood. Please, ladies, if your child tells you he is being bullied, go down to that school, demand action, hire a lawyer, call the police, and open your mouth. Do not wait for the administrators to handle it. Take matters into your own hands. Follow your child. Confront the bullies. Did you know the Feds have no made cyber-bullying an actual crime? So, if you know your son or daughter is being taunted, insulted, or bullied on the net, you can report it to the police. A few years back a teenage girl also hung herself after being told she was a fat loser over and over by what she thought was a boy who liked her on the internet. It turned out to be her former bff’s mother who was taunting her for kicks. There are laws to protect the sweet kids from these bad ass kids and their parents on the net and in your community. And don’t you all be timid about this. You are your child’s advocate. Raise your child with the strength to believe in himself. Self confidence is the best gift you could give your teen. I know a mom who is in therapy with her daughter who has no self worth. The girl is bullied in school. The mother says she has never told her daughter she is beautiful. And I think that is very sad. Lift your child up at home so she can rise above in the world. Give your child love and let them know you have go their back and they will have the strength to stand up for themselves. And when it comes right down to it, teach your child to defend himself. If someone is going to hit you, you knock them right out first! Last year a boy on Hannah’s bus was hitting the younger girls. I told Hannah to go right up to him and tell him if he tries to hit her she is going to punch him flat out in the nose and it is going to be a bloody mess. She was called to the principal’s office and I backed her up. And I still do.
Hi Darla,
“You are your child’s advocate.” <<< that's the important message in all this. I mean, for another parent to go after someone's child? Wow, what is wrong with that woman that she gets her kicks bullying kids?!
I also wanted to let you know that I just ordered your book and am excited to get it…and maybe I'll have to skip to the chapter about schedules so I actually have time to read it!
I read somewhere that you were thinking about starting a magazine for stay at home moms like you. Did you do it? Did someone else? I would definitely be interested in getting a subscription! Please let me know…
-W.M.L.