. . . And the Subject of Bullying

[kagomeshuko]

Many of my friends have recently become or are about to become new parents. Because of this, I see a lot of blog posts about raising children. One of the topics that is addressed is bullying

Comments

[fodschwazzle]

I like this take. As a teacher in alternative schools, I am actively thinking about what I can glean from teaching how bullying works, based upon this. Maybe then, when I need to call out the behavior it can be more:

"Hey, that was part of the lesson the other day."

than

"I find something about you to be morally objectionable."

Thanks for making me think.

[kagomeshuko]

I'm really glad you like this take on the topic.

[eternal_ot]

"What happens when they find out that the world isn't fair? What happens when the first person finally bullies them in some way?" yes that made me ponder..and maybe that's why I don't mind a bit of friendly ragging..just to make acquaintance... a nice read...good work indeed.:)

[kagomeshuko]

Once people are friends, or at least close enough to understand each other, I don't think there's any problem with the fun things they say to each other that sound like insults.

I had a couple of friends and they fell in love - their "sweet nothings" tended to be how they would kill each other or get each other in trouble.

A close friendship is like having a sister, too, I think. Sure, I'm allowed to insult my sister, because she's MY SISTER. I can say that. If others say those things, that's mean.

[eternal_ot]

yeah...i agree. That's what i meant too..:)

[lawchicky]

You are right. I was bullied as a child all the time, and it sucks, but it also taught me a lot about people. I've taught my children not to be bullies, and when they get teased, I try to show them to be compassionate because the bullies are acting out based on their own shortcomings.

[kagomeshuko]

Yep, that's usually the case with bullies. Sadly, there are some people who just always want to cause others to hurt, though. I've run into those people, too.

[i_17bingo]

It's a shame that teaching kids how to endure bullying is so important. It would be a nicer place if all the parents simply taught them not to...

[kagomeshuko]

I agree that it's a shame. However, there are just some people who never will teach kids not to be bullies. Then, there are some people who will always decide to be bullies despite being taught not to be bullies.