SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center (314) 577-5600
How Can I Help My Child Deal With a Bully?  My son hates going
to school because there's a boy who teases and picks on him
every day. What can I do to help him? - Jesse  Having to deal
with a bully is hard for kids — especially at school.  Listen to
your son's worries and convey that they're perfectly
understandable and that it's OK for him to feel that way. Offer
assurance without making him feel like you're trying to talk him
out of feeling that way or dismissing his feelings.  As he tells
you how he feels, be sure to repeat back his thoughts and
feelings using phrases like, "I know you're feeling worried."
When he feels understood by you, he'll be more receptive to your
help and any advice on coping that you offer.  Let him know that
everyone worries, even adults, at one time or another. But also
make sure he knows that there are ways he can feel better and
less fearful. Go over some strategies that he can use if someone
teases him. Ignoring th