A bully story...

You're the kid with his head down except when you utter
those unkind words to yet
bring down another.
You're the kid who is so sad, but
anger is the only emotion
you show your victims.
You're the kid who picks on others
to diminish the pain you feel inside.
Or
Is it for fun? Is it a game, or sport?
Are you just plain mean? What is the reason you inflict
pain on others?
I am here to tell you...
There is NEVER a reason to
do the things you do.
Threatening, name calling, hitting.
Is someone doing it to you?
Then please tell someone
so the cycle can stop...
and my precious one
won't walk with his head down
any longer,
and
 won't feel bad anymore.

My son has learned a lot in Jr.High this year.
He has learned algebra, and Spanish...
but
he has also learned how truly
unkind, some people can be.
He has learned self control and he has learned
to stand up for himself...
not using his fists
but using his words.

I know my son could fight , he could hit,
punch, kick...
that is not his way...
I know my son could defend himself.
But to fight words with violence is not
the answer.
It is not what we have taught him.
Jr. High is such a rough time in a young persons
life.
So much change,
so much growth.
So much figuring out who they are and what they
want to stand for.
I pray over him,
We pray with him.
I am grateful that my son goes to a school
where the administration
tries to lift his spirit
and tells him he is doing the right thing...
That it is important to report
these things
when they happen.
They have taken action...
But
until we teach our children
kindness
they will not show it to others.
There is a reason why
kids walk around
saying disgusting, horrible things
to other children.
That is far worse and does more damage than a
punch to the chin ever could.,
Parents...we need to take action.
It needs to stop.
There is a movie out entitled "Bully",
it is a documentary...
and while difficult to watch, it is a must see.
It is a must see.
There are things that our children don't tell us...
out of fear, out of embarrassment
out of sheer frustration.
We need to be aware of the signs,
we need to ask
those (sometimes) difficult questions.


It is no secret...I have been pretty vocal
on the topic of bullies this year.
We have had our share of trips to the principals office,
and phone calls to the school counselor.
We have written letters and
voiced our concerns
to anyone who will listen.
We are fortunate that our children attend a school
that does not tolerate bullying...
except,
IT STILL HAPPENS!!!
I am not an expert,
all I know is that I have a precious wish...
for my precious wishes,
that this would not be an issue
any longer.

Hoping your Thursday is a peaceful one!!!
Would love to hear how you have dealt with any bully situations..
Please leave me a comment and your e-mail and I will write back.




Being bullied?...You are not alone.

Bullying has become an epidemic.
It is everywhere, at every school. It is so easy to turn
a blind eye and say, "oh kids will be kids".
but that isn't a helpful or appropriate answer.
Especially if it your child that is being bullied.
Some children have more confidence and can turn the other cheek
when something negative is said to them.
Others are not built that way.
Things touch them more deeply.

Over the weekend I read about Amanda Todd,
I am sure many of you saw the news...
That is a tragedy. A heartbreaking tragedy.
What could have been done,
why
wasn't more done?
My heart ached for this child and her parents.

Last week I talked about how my son is
being bullied at school.
At that posting it was with words,
mean, hateful words.
Friday when he came home,
I learned that it got physical and I
wanted to scream.
My son goes to a good school.
I like his teachers, the administration is
wonderful.
But if they are not fully made aware of the issue
then how can they help.
I have been going through all the proper channels,
talking to the people I am supposed
to talk to.
Today the gloves come off.
Today I go, I wait, I talk, I scream
until someone hears me.
It is up to me to protect my son.
To make sure that he is safe,
to make sure
that his heart does not get
broken.
If you know your child is struggling with a bully
at school, please don't wait to step in
and help.
I know that getting along with others is all
part of growing up.
That standing up for yourself is like a
right of passage.
But bullying is on a completely different level.
Think about it...

If we are raising our children
to be compassionate, respectful and kind,
then how is treating another person badly,
in any way
even acceptable?
Sad thing is, adults do it too.

Today I would like to offer some websites that
speak directly to the topic of bullying.
Do you know that about
 74 percent of 8-11 year olds are bullied!
74%...
That number is staggering.
Nearly 160, 000 kids miss school each day because
they are afraid to go to school.
Did you know that some children won't use the restroom
at school all day
because they are scared.
Doesn't that break your heart?
We as parents need to get educated and
stand up for our children.

Here are some links that may help you if
you have a child that is being bullied.

http://www.empoweringparents.com/category-Bullying.php

http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/bullies.html

http://www.stopbullying.gov/respond/be-more-than-a-bystander/

It is up to us as parents to protect our children.
We have to talk with them and
listen to their hearts.
We also need to let our schools know that it will
Not
be tolerated.
If you have a child that is being bullied,
talk with them.
Then take action!!!
If you suspect your child is a bully,
please engage with them, cause
there is probably
something going on that is making them act out
this way against others.
We want our children to feel confident and secure
and safe.
They deserve that.
All children deserve that.






Bullies...Did you know?

Bullies...

Did you know it is going to stop?

See the kid walking down the hall,

quiet, unsure of himself?

Leave him alone, he did nothing to you, nothing to offend.

Bullies,

Did you know

that kid is sweet and kind and has the

biggest heart in the world.

Did you know he is a loyal friend?
Did you know that he is trying to find his place
in this world, just like you are?
Did you know

He is brave.

He is sad.

Bullies...

you just walk on by and leave my kid alone.

You know it is wrong...

maybe you are hurting,

maybe you need a hand to reach out,

but

you have no right to pick on others

because

you are unhappy.

You will never know how cool this kid is

because you are to busy...

busy being mean

busy being hateful

to get to know this amazing young man.

Did you know that he is a wonderful son to me and his Dad?

Did you know that he wants to serve his country

when he grows up?

Did you know he rips on a rip stick.

Did you know that he is amazing at video games and how

they work?

Did you know that he is so knowledgeable about

almost any gun there is?

Did you know he wants to be on the trap team this year?

Did you know that he is an awesome brother and cousin?

Did you know that he switched schools this year,

and it has been hard for him?

Did you know that he comes home sad most days?

Did you know that I am teaching him NOT to give you his power!!!

You can not,  and will not hurt my boy!

His heart is precious,

you won't take that from him.

If you have a child that is being bullied...speak out, speak up.

My sweet sister wrote a post today on her blog that I would love to share with you.
please click the link below and show her some love.

http://www.smilesforlemons.blogspot.com/2012/10/wake-up-parents.html
We are going to be teaming up this month and sharing our thoughts on bullying
and what part we play. Also will be sharing helpful tips
and hotline information with you. It is anti bullying month...
Let's all work together so that no one is made to feel less than
the wonderful person that God made them!