An Open Letter to My Kids on Bullying
Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by Green Giant® through MyBlogSpark. As the mother of 3 children, an aunt, big cousin and youth leader – I believe that being aware of bullying is essential.
Dear Kiddos,
Bullying worries me. No, it scares me. I read and hear about so many children your age whose lives are totally destroyed by the effects of bullying.
The relationship between the three of you – while it spans 10 years – is a close bond and I know that you all care for, protect and defend one another. I realize there will come a time when you won’t have each other readily available. As you grow and your circles expand and interchange, you will come in contact with children from different backgrounds, beliefs and traditions. I encourage that. I believe that that diversity will benefit you as you grow and mature. It will help you to be accepting and tolerant of those that are different from you.
I know, however, that you may encounter some that for whatever reason are not as tolerant. There are many reasons why they choose to become a bully, but know that you can and should always stand up for yourself. You can come to me with anything at anytime and I will be there to listen, support and intervene when necessary. Do not feel that it makes you “weak” or a “tattle-tale” or a “snitch”. No one should ever be made to feel as though they are less than others. No one should intimidate or pressure others into making decisions they are not comfortable making or following through on.
It’s okay to walk (or run) away. It does not make you a smaller person. It makes you a stronger person. Bullies come in many different shapes and sizes. Sometimes it can be someone you thought of as a friend, it could be a relative or even an adult. Whomever it is, know that it is wrong and not a reflection of the wonderful person that you are.
I believe I’ve instilled in you the confidence to stand up not just for yourself but for others who may be bullied in your presence. You have the ability to be part of the solution.
Love Always,
Mom
Green Giant® knows it takes a lot more to raise a healthy child then just getting them to eat their vegetables. Kids these days live in a world that is bigger and scarier than the world we grew up in, and they need help and encouragement to navigate that world with confidence and pride.
Unfortunately one of the hardest things kids have to deal with is bullying. When a child is bullied by a peer it can turn his or her life into a daily gauntlet of fear and anxiety. That’s why Green Giant® is partnering with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and We Day Minnesota to help parents Raise A Giant and put a stop to bullying in their community.
What Does it Mean To Be A Giant?
Being a giant isn’t about being the biggest or the best. Being a giant means standing up for others. It means lending a hand to those who are in trouble and speaking up for those who sometimes find it hard to speak up for themselves.
Studies show that an effective way to stop bullying is for kids to simply speak up and say, “That’s not okay” when they see bullying happening.
But asking kids to have the courage to stand up to bullying is a tall order and that’s why they need our help.
How Do You Raise A Giant?
Parents are asked to write a letter to their kids telling them how special they are and encouraging them to be part of the bullying prevention solution by being a giant.
To get started parents can visit RaiseAGaint.com and read the letters others have written.
Congratulations Kathy J – the winner of the $25 Visa Gift Card provided by our sponsor! Many thanks to all who entered and shared their thoughts and experiences!