4 Ways to Discuss Bullying and Teach Empathy + Video

4 Easy Steps for Teaching Social Skills

Many bullied youngsters suffer in silence. Would your child tell you? Or would he keep it to himself?

Today I will share 4 discussion strategies and 5 empathic questions for discussing bullying with your children.

Use These 4 Discussion Methods to Get Your Child to Talk

1. Enter your child's world. Don't accept the word "Nothing." Go to your child. Tell him you know something's wrong and that you love him. Share what you've noticed about his behavior that tells you he's hurting. Gently probe and listen well.
2. Suggest he let his feelings out. Give him a pillow and ask him to smash his feelings into it. Say, "This is a good way to release your emotions." When he's done, ask him, "What were you thinking when you pounded the pillow?" If he gives you a one-word answer say, "Tell me more."
3. Ask him to draw his feelings. When he's done, ask different things about his picture and invite him to tell you more about them too. Again, listen well.
4. If what you learned is serious and action needs to be taken, discuss what to do. Make a plan together.

How Creating a Dilemma Can Start a Conversation:

Make up a dilemma involving a kid who's been hurting a smaller child with sarcasm, putdowns, or even physical force. A girl who's upset about it tells her mom. She's afraid if she if she tries to protect the little kid, the bully will target her.

Ask your child, "If you were the girl, what would like to do about it?" Her answer could be interesting. Continue the talk with more questions.

5 Helpful Questions that Can Build Empathy for Others:

Ask, "Have you ever witnessed bullying?" If she says, "Yes," encourage her to talk about it. Then chat together using the following questions:

1. Why would a big kid pick on a little kid?
2. How do you think the little kid would feel?
3. What do you think about bullies?
4. What advice would you give the bullied child?
5. What advice would you give the bully?

Conclusion for Bullying Discussions, Strategies, Questions, and Empathy

If you suspect your child is being bullied, enter his world; suggest punching a pillow and drawing his feelings to release his emotions. Appreciate what he shared and make a plan to handle the problem.

To discuss bullying, in general, make up a dilemma. Get your child's thoughts and ask the 5 questions. This will prepare your child to be empathic and help her decide what to do when bullying does occur.