Teasing and Bullying
Many experts argue that there are important differences between teasing and bullying. Theoretically those experts are absolutely correct.
Similarities:
Both teasing and bullying usually involve poking fun at someone, ridiculing them in a way that we think is funny, making them look foolish, and generally mocking , taunting, or joking around with them. There are times when teasing and bullying can become physical.
Differences:
Teasing generally involves a sense of play and mutual joshing around. Teasing will rarely, if ever, involve religion, race, appearance or other important characteristics.
Bullying does not involve play or mutual joshing around. Bullying is often about religion, race, appearance, or other important characteristics.
Bullying is differentiated from teasing because of intention. Those who bully actually intend to do harm, whereas teasing is supposed to be a ' no harm' game.
A child who is teased day after day, week after week, will eventually begin to become dispirited - or worse. teasing can be as harmful as bullying, and while theoretically different, the two are easily perceived by a child to be exactly the same thing.
By possessing a strong sense of self children can bounce back effectively from teasing. By nurturing your relationship with your child, you can aide in his or her success in overcoming teasing.
Here are 3 Strategies to Use When your Child is Teased:
1. Be Emotionally Available.
Kids who have parents that are emotionally available are far more likely to have positive relationships with others.
If your child is being teased, take time to simply be with him or her. Listen. Don't offer advice. Just be there as an emotionally safe place for your child.
2. Perspective Taking
Through perspective taking, parents can gain insight into how their children feel. They can also develop the skill of perspective taking in their children to discover other important aspects of relationships in the school yard that their children may be less willing to share through typical questioning.
3. Strategize Together
When teasing is creating distress, children need parents who are available, and who want to help, but helping too much may not allow our children to develop important relationship skills. We may also undermine their decision making development. It can be helpful to offer reassurance, and then invite your child to consider useful solutions.
When Your child is being Teased at school by: Justin Coulson
