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What Every Parent Needs to Know About Helping Their Child Through Physical Bullying

Physical Bullying
As a parent, it can be incredibly difficult to see your child struggle with physical bullying. You may feel completely helpless and confused of how to best support them during this difficult time. However, there are several steps you can take to help your child navigate this challenging situation and build their resilience.

First and foremost, it's essential to validate your child's feelings and let them know that they are not alone. Encourage open communication and create a safe space for them to express their emotions. Reassure them that they have your full support and that you are there to help them through this tough time.

It's also crucial to educate your child on the importance of setting boundaries and standing up for themselves. Teach them strategies for assertive communication and let them know that it's okay to seek help from trusted adults or authority figures if they feel unsafe.

Furthermore, consider reaching out to your child's school to address the situation. Arrange a meeting with the principal or school counselor to discuss the bullying and develop a plan of action. Encourage your child to speak up and advocate for themselves, but also be their advocate and ensure that the school takes appropriate measures to address the issue.

In addition, consider enrolling your child in self-defense classes or martial arts to boost their confidence and empower them to defend themselves if necessary. Building physical strength and self-confidence can be valuable tools for navigating bullying situations.

Finally, seek support for yourself as a parent. It's natural to feel overwhelmed and anxious when your child is being physically bullied. Consider seeking guidance from a therapist, joining a support group for parents of bullied children, or connecting with other parents who have gone through similar experiences.

Above all, remind your child that they are strong and capable of overcoming this challenge. Focus on building their self-esteem, resilience, and problem-solving skills. With your unwavering support and guidance, your child can emerge from this difficult experience stronger and more resilient than ever.
 

 

Author
Dr. Muhammad Zeshan Headshot Dr. Muhammad Zeshan My name is Muhammad Zeshan, MD, and I am a Harvard trained infant, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Inside Out, a private practice based in Princeton, New Jersey. I am currently working as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School-Newark, New Jersey. Through Inside Out CURE, my focus is to help individuals become more Compassionate, Understanding, and aware of their inner strength and vulnerabilities, while developing Resilience and Empathy. I offer a variety of mental health care services to all age groups (infancy through adulthood) by applying principals of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology, family therapy, parent-child intervention therapy, pharmacology, and neuroscience.

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