08/31/2018
The second week of school and already the drama and bullying starts. My daughter had three different girls approach her today over nonsense...looking at them, he said she said....its really despicable and disheartening that we raise our children in a world where it's so easy to attack one another...Even after all the school violence...these kids still don't see what their moment of self righteousness and vindication does to someone else. My beautiful, intelligent, talented daughter hates school. But you know, I will not let her cower and hide. I will not let these children succeed in breaking her spirit or dimming her light. Because I am her example, I will teach her to talk louder, to smile brighter, and hold her head higher! I will teach her that their issues with her have nothing to do with her, but everything to do with them, sadly. Sadly, they are hurting or broken too. And maybe no one sees.
So parents, please sit down with your children, especially those with daughters, and teach them the consequences of belittling others...even if they don't like them for whatever reason. No one has the right to antagonize another person. Teach them how to go about their own lives and focus on their own goals. And by God, teach them compassion. You may be sitting here reading this thinking, "not my child," but I guarantee you, your child has participated, stood by and did nothing, or is being bullied. Have the talk. Be the example. Teach them to build someone up versus break someone down. Break the cycle by checking in and teaching your child. Their behaviors and actions are your responsibility.
That said, one love and I wish all of you and your children a wonderful, successful school year.
~~Written by a Mom of a Jr high school student.