Page 15 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 5 _2023

Today's Child

themselves, and to not compare positive attitude can become a habit. become more confident in their
their lives to those of others. Remind Positivity and general optimism will also choices and decisions, and will help
them that other people’s negative be a more natural, instinctive response build up their assertiveness levels
opinions don’t count and that, just for children if it is a theme within the over time. Bullies prey on people
maybe, those people are breaking home. So remember to try to adopt they believe to be timid, easy
down others in an attempt to make a positive attitude yourself, especially targets. A little assertiveness from
themselves feel better and stronger, when you are around your children. the intended victim can go a long way
because they have their own set of Spend positive time together, have fun, in making a bully think twice.
problems. A bully must never have do things your child loves to do and
the power to define, in your child’s which makes them feel good about Finally, if your child is being bullied,
mind, who they are or who they themselves, watch funny movies and don’t judge them – it will simply
become as a person. laugh - often. make them withdraw further and be
less likely to confide in you. Support,
So, empower your child by encouraging Avoid making decisions for them. love and guide them. If necessary,
a positive attitude – it can help them Guide and direct them, yes, but do intervene and either contact the
overcome many of the challenges they let them be part of the decision- school to assist, or the parents if it is
will face in life. As with anything, a making process. This will help them outside of the school environment.

WHY IS BULLYING

SO PREVALENT?

There are many reasons for bullying but,
fundamentally, some of the underlying factors
include the highly competitive environment
our children are growing up in, and the result-
ing relentless performance pressure that they
experience. There is also the now constant
influence of technology (which has changed
accessibility and the way people bully)
and the fast pace of life. Other
significant factors could be
personal issues at home -
maybe there are financial
issues, a divorce, alcohol
abuse, absent parents
– and bullying may be
a way to vent, to rid
themselves of pent-
up emotions they
may be feeling, or
to try to regain
a measure of control
they feel
they have lost.

SIGNS OF BULLYING to bullying in younger children: belongings.
Often our children don’t want to • Complaining that they are feeling • A decline in their school marks.
tell us they are being bullied. They sick – a headache, a tummy ache –
might be feeling afraid to tell you or especially when it may be time to In older children, you may observe
anyone, or they might feel helpless. go to school. that they have low self-esteem, are
Maybe they are embarrassed. It is • Unexplained injuries. withdrawing and generally have
even possible that they may not trust • Changes in sleeping and eating a loss of interest in things around
you or fear further rejection if they patterns. them. They may possibly even
speak up. These are, however, signs • A sudden onset of nightmares. exhibit self-destructive behaviour like
you can look out for, which may point • Lost clothing or damaged personal cutting.

ABOUT LIFE TALK® FORUM
Life Talk’s mission is to create happy, successful and fulfilled youth, guided by sound values. Life Talk is a non-profit organisation dedicated to
raising awareness, stimulating discussions and seeking solutions to the challenges faced by parents and their children.
For more important parenting tips and information visit www.lifetalk.co.za or email Forum@lifetalk.co.za
LIFE TALK® FORUM NPC REG: 2010/017980/08 PBO # 930 036317

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