This post is sponsored by Google in collaboration with the Forward Influence Network.
As a mom, there’s so much that I want to teach my kids. I love seeing them grow and watching their personalities develop as they get older. From introducing them to their first foods to taking them to their first day of school, there are so many cherished memories that I have as a mom to my little ones. But as Dylan and Mei get older, something else that I need to worry about is bullying. And while there are so many things that you can do as a parent when it comes to providing the best for your kids and shielding them from certain dangers, things like bullying can turn up where you least expect it.
What to do About Bullying:
This isn’t something that I’ve mentioned before, but we actually had to deal with our first bullying incident with Dylan last year in his kindergarten class. I never would have thought that we would be dealing with issues like what to do about bullying at such an early age, but in a way, I’m glad that this was something that we encountered earlier instead of what can be in the more difficult teenage years. I first noticed it when Dylan was acting out at home after school, being much more physical with his younger sister Mei than before. Dylan has always had the silliest, most carefree, and outgoing personality, so after a couple days when I noticed that he seemed constantly angry and emotional, I knew that something was up.
I asked Dylan what was going on — if there was something that had happened at school that had upset him. While he was a bit reluctant at first, finally the tears started coming and he told me that a couple other boys were being mean to him at school. It was three boys who called themselves the “Mean Team” and they would repeat things that Dylan said in mocking “baby voices”, chase him around the playground, and not listen to him when he would say “stop”. It broke my heart to hear all of this; I was sad and angry at the same time that this would be happening to my precious boy.
For us, we ended up having discussions with the teachers, parents, and school administration regarding this issue (Dylan wasn’t the only one being bullied, sadly), but in the same vein, it’s made me realize it’s even more important to educate kids about what to do about bullying. October is National Bullying Prevention Month and I’m proud to be partnering with Google to share their Be Internet Awesome program. It’s disheartening when you see the statistics:
28% of students have experienced bullying personally
71% of students have witnessed bullying directly
only 20-30% of students notify adults about bullying
When it comes to the internet and bullying, it can be easier than ever when people can hide behind their keyboards and monitors. Be Internet Awesome is an effort to combat these numbers — to help students and families see how they can make choices that disempower bullying behavior and instead create healthy, productive spaces to interact!
Being kind, both in real life and online, starts at home in the family. Google’s Be Internet Awesome program has online resources available to help parents and I love that they make it fun too with their offering of Interland games! Sometimes it’s just hardest to talk about the topic with your kids so the activities offered in these games provide a good opportunity to lay the foundation that can then offer talking points. Both words and actions can make a big impact on others, so it’s important to make good decisions when choosing what to say and also in how to deliver it.
A family is the best group of people for practicing respect, kindness, and positivity — kids can realize it’s ok to mess up but to then learn from that mistake, apologize, and grow from the experience. Just as important is to encourage each other to be “upstanders”: people who help the person being hurt when they see something hurtful happening and help turn negative situations into positive ones.
As a mom, we all want our kids to be happy, healthy and kind as they grow up. Bullying shouldn’t be a part of it and I love that Google’s Be Internet Awesome is spreading the word so that we can all be involved to end it. Be sure to check out Interland with your kids and put your kindness skills to the test at g.co/KindKingdom.
Let’s all come together — have conversations with our kids, be an Upstander, and let’s promote positivity at home, school, and online! #ItsCoolToBeKind
Loving this what to do about bullying feature? Take a look here for more of my family favorites!
I think this is absolutely amazing and you’re a great example for parents everywhere, I only wish my parents had cared this much when I talked to them about being bullied and not tell me to “just get over it”. I think bullying needs to end and now with the internet, it only seems like it’s increasing and it’s getting harder to combat but with projects like that at least we can do something about it. Thanks for shining a light on the subject.
Marta,
i’m so sorry to hear that you were bullied. it makes me so sad that this kind of thing happens and I know that it’s the kind of thing that you can’t just “get over”. I’m so glad that Google is getting this message out to increase awareness and making it easier for everyone to talk about it!
much love,
kileen
UGH no child should have to go through that! This is an important thing to talk about, though. Thanks for sharing your story.
xx rebecca // the crystal press
Oh my gosh, my heart breaks for him after reading this! Such a great story to share.
My heart breaks for your little boy. Its so crazy how mean children can be at a young age! Great story to share for experience.
Aww, I’m sorry to hear your son was being bullied. Poor kid! I’m glad you were able to take the steps to get the situation resolved though!
I absolutely hate this happens, especially at such a young age as you said. Educating childcare on bullying is so important and definitely something I plan on doing when we have kids of our own. Thank you for sharing this Kileen! So sweet of you!
xo Laura Leigh
Louella Reese
I am so sorry your son was bullied, but thank you for sharing what you went through so other parents can help their children.
You are such a great example of awesome parenting! I also can’t believe that bullying is now starting at such a young age. Thank you for sharing this great post!
Omg I am so sorry that Dylan was bullied! I honestly would not know what to do if I was in that situation. You are right and it is so important to educate our kids about bullying. I really hope that Dylan doesn’t have to experience this again. Thanks girl for sharing this.
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
So glad you were able to catch that and find a solution for this. I know it’s even harder with kids and social media these days. These are great tips btw!
This breaks my heart but it’s such an important topic to talk about and share!!
I am so sorry that your son had to go through it … I am so glad that you are talking about it …. we definitely need to create a more accepting and open culture.
❥ tanvii.com
Oh my gosh this breaks my heart for him! I can’t believe that bullying is already starting at such a young age like that. You are definitely the positive role model he needed in his life to get through that.
xoxo,
Kim
So sorry to hear about your son being bullied. My son was bullied too, and the school refused to admit it, instead, they referred to it as teasing even though my son was coming home with injuries, he was in tears, and hiding under tables to escape them. I ended up pulling him out of school and am now homeschooling him. Thank you for bringing awareness about bullying this and sharing this story.
XOXO
Cathy
oh my goodness, I can’t believe the school didn’t even acknowledge the bullying! i’m so sorry that you and your son have had to deal with bullying and it’s definitely something that more people need to know they can do something to put an end to it!
xo,
kileen
Be Internet Awesome sounds like such an amazing and important initiative. The internet can be such a shield for people who want to just spew anger and hate without the consequence of seeing a real person behind it. I’m so glad google is wanting to help kids stay safe and bully-free. I’m also so sorry about your little guy being bullied by classmates; it sounds like you handled it so well.
Lee
Awww I am truly so sorry! It must be so tough to see your son go through something like this! So lucky he has such a great family surrounding him to help him through!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
I’ve been bullied when I was in grade school, it’s such a hard thing to combat I could only imagine how it would be as a mother. I’ve never heard of Be Internet Awesome, I’m going to check that out!
~Sarah Lindner
love that movement – and yes, it’s so easy to hide behind technology to be snarky and unpleasant. I’m glad you guys have been so proactive with your kids!
I am so sorry to read that your son was bullied. It’s so terrible that kids think that it’s ok to do this. I was bullied in high school and ended up graduating in 3 years because I couldn’t take it anymore.
The bullying that goes on is heartbreaking. Your children are lucky to have you.
https://asequinloveaffair.com
It’s so good that google has this resource for parents!
Such a great topic! I love the fact you notice a change in your kid behaviour and you were able to speak about it. Communication is so important to face this issue. Great post! Thanks for sharing
I hate that bullying is so prevalent in our society and dreaded having to hear a child was being bullied when I was a teacher. So sorry your son had to go through it. What a cool program Google is offering though!
Xx, Danielle
I am so sorry to hear that your son was bullied. Kids can be so cruel sometimes. Be Internet Awesome sounds like a great movement.
I’m so sorry to hear that you guys went thru that experience. Bullying is serious and parents should always be aware of their children’s conducts and talk with them about that topic. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips!!
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
I’m really glad that you’re focusing on making yourself aware and also teaching your kids what to do in these scenarios. It’s really awful to see what kids go through – even this young. I can’t believe that he’s dealt with bullying in kindergarten! That just breaks my heart!
As a mom myself, my heart breaks for you. Kids these days are cruel but I always tell my boys that bullying is not okay. Actually, their school teaches this as well. I have also told my boys to stand up for a kid that is being bullied.
I’m so sorry about your son being bullied. 🙁 I understand what it’s like to have a family member bullied and it absolutely breaks your heart. This is such a lovely post that is really helpful to so many people. Thank you for sharing your message!
Sara
http://www.mindovermango.com
it’s amazing how you bring this subject up and making sure your kids are in the right mindset. bullying happens everywhere in every level of life so it’s incredibly important to start within the family.
I’m so sorry your son had to deal with this! No child should ever have to go through that. 🙁 such an important topic for us to talk about.
You guys are so sweet but I am sorry your son had this experience!
Wow that’s such a great resource to have1
They called themselves the mean team?! And this was kindergarten boys?! That is so crazy and sad. I’m sorry your son had to go through that!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
I totally totally agree, promoting positivity, especially in family, is the only way to live in today’s world.
aw love, i’m so sorry to hear that your son was bullied at school! ugh. i do not miss younger school days because i used to be bullied badly too and was never really comfortable opening up to my parents about the incident. luckily i was able to handle it pretty well on my own but definitely it wasn’t a good experience to deal with. dylan is so lucky to have you as his momma! <3
Oh my heart!! I love that you shared this – it’s going to help so many other mamas! I’m so glad he’s learned young though, you are teaching them so well!
My heart breaks for him! I encounter kids daily who are bullied the same way and I can’t believe how cruel kids can be. I’m so glad that you’re having honest conversations with him and teaching him to be an Upstander 🙂
-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
I’m so sorry your little one had to face bullying. This is never fun or ok, we faced a bullying situation with my eight year old but luckily it didn’t escalade. Talking to our little ones about this topic is so important.
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
What an adorable family! Love the photos dear.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
My girlfriend is going through this same situation and my heart breaks for her and you! This is a beautiful post and I am definitely going to share it with her!
xo, Sara
this just breaks my heart!! i’m so glad your little one told you what was going on and you were able to do something about it! thank you for sharing this story!
Love this post, it’s much needed!