Bullies
Most of us hear \u201cbullying\u201d and picture a sand-kicking, lunch-money-stealing menace. But today\u2019s bullying can take other forms. Research by Dr. Charisse Nixon shows that about 7% of kids report experiencing physical aggression once a week\u2014 but that HALF of kids report experiencing relational aggression at least once a month. \nOn the other hand, as bullying expert Signe Whitson explains, some things can get termed \u201cbullying\u201d that might be more correctly described as mean or rude. Knowing the difference as parents will help our children navigate tricky situations more effectively. \nIn this episode we discuss how to help our children understand what bullying is, plus how to know if our kids are being bullied themselves\u2014 since it\u2019s the kids who are truly frightened and struggling who are often the most likely not to tell us. \nWe also discuss whether, how much, and in what ways parents should intervene\u2014 somewhere in the middle ground between \u201cso find new friends!\u201d and beating the bully up yourself. (Spoiler alert: don\u2019t do either of those things.) \nHere\u2019s links to research and resources discussed in this episode: \nKatie Hurley for Washington Post On Parenting: What does childhood anxiety look like? Probably not what you think.\nKatie Hurley for PBS Kids: What to Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied\nSherri Gordon for Very Well Family: 7 Tips for Helping Kids Deal With Being Ostracized\nSumathi Reddy for WSJ: Little Children and Already Acting Mean\nSigne Whitson for Huffington Post: Rude Vs. Mean Vs. Bullying: Defining The Differences\nLouis Sachar: There's a Boy in The Girls' Bathroom\xa0\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices