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  Media Coverage

"What to do about bullies" McCall's, October, 1996, pp. 130-135. excerpt:

When the trouble's at home... "Research shows that most tormentors are taught their behavior by others. If you've made the painful discovery that your child's aggression is a pattern learned firsthand from your husband, an older sibling, a grandparent or another relative, take action. "When a parent is the bully, professional help might be in order, says Sherryll Kraizer, Ph.D., author of The Safe Child Book (Simon & Schuster). Adult bullies are often abusers--dangerous to children and spouses. "Sometimes, however, well-meaning adults or older siblings are unaware of their aggressive actions. If you see bullying going on in your family, Kraizer recommends that you try these tactics: Avoid blasting the aggressor with accusations or blame, which can escalate tension at home. Let your child know that you're aware he or she is being mistreated--especially if you're not having success changing the bully in the family. Don't ignore it or gloss over it. Then seek professional help. Describe how you deal with aggressive feelings to the bullying adult...acknowledge the difficult emotions that arise in ... a family, but also offer a reasonable response. Call a family meeting to discuss how you should treat one another. Even if the bully won't attend, let everyone else discuss ways to support and care for other family members. Explain that bullying behavior is unacceptable even when adults do it."

 

Copyright © 1996 -2008 Coalition for Children, Inc., Sherryll Kraizer, Ph.D.