Bullying

The bullying issues from across the country that have been raised in the news in recent weeks have saddened me to such a degree that I am having a hard time getting them out of my mind. The problem is so widespread, my heart breaks for those children who feel desperate enough to harm themselves or take their own lives. Kids can be tremendously cruel. I can't imagine my children going through a situation where they feel they are trapped. Schools have a responsibility to protect our children, but I am aware that they can only do so much. The responsibility really lies in us, as parents. I have already introduced the subject to my 5 year old. While I can't imagine him bullying anyone, I want to instill in him the fact that others deserve respect and that it is not okay to taunt or call other people names. I also want my son to know that if someone who is doing those things to him, then he needs to know that he is stronger, brighter and better than that bully and that no one can bring him down. Let's instill in our children the confidence they should have to stand tall. They need a support system where they can cry, scream and talk through all of their feelings. I pray that I am that for my children throughout their lives and that they never see the ugly and cruel side of childhood.