I took to Social Media and posted on Linkedin and on Instagram. The post on Linkedin had nearly 8,000 views and more than 40 comments offering support and ideas.
It got me thinking...
My son's current struggle is not at all unique. So many of us have experienced bullying and still do; in the workplace, or being "trolled" on our social pages. Bullying is damaging, and no matter how resilient you are, it still has impact!
If you've ever been bullied this might possibly resonate with you because more often than not, those experiences have lasting effects and can be immense. It may be that you have difficulty trusting people and as a result, accepting friendships or loving relationships becomes almost impossible as you navigate the fear of being hurt or ridiculed. It may be that you come across as overly needy due to deep-set insecurities. Perhaps it shows up as you're forever people-pleasing or needing constant reassurance, or, at the very worst, you have little to no self-esteem.
As I dived into educating myself about bullying and ways in which to support our children, I came across Brooks Gibbs. #RaiseThemStrong, Building Resilient Kids is a movement that every parent should know about.
Watch this...
He has also created some incredible resources on YouTube which are really insightful and incredibly supportive. How To Stop A Bully is definitely one to share with your children and you can watch it here.
Read this...
I have also just bought and started reading "Raising Resilient Children" which I would highly recommend.
And, finally, be inspired by this...
This is a very serious topic that through the ages needs attention and a zero-tolerance approach. If you or someone you know really needs help, support can be provided to anyone by reaching out to www.bullying.co.uk.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences, advice or any resources you'd like to share.
If you've not yet read my post and are interested in what the fuss was about...
He climbed out of the car, turned back to me and said "Just because I'm in the best school does not mean the children aren't mean. I'm really struggling, mommy"
He closed the car door and walked objectively towards the school.
My heart crushed and my tears brimming.
We've been pulling up at the same spot for school drop off ever since he started Year 7 and most mornings he "hides" so that he doesn't have to a group of girls who keep teasing him and chanting "you have no friends"....As a mother, you do what you can to give them the tools they need to rise above it but you never really know their struggle.
This morning, however, after he basically crawled into the foothold of the car, bearing tears and I realised there is a lot more to this than what he's been telling me. I also learned this morning that not only does he have this group of girls to contend with, crushing his confidence as they go, but others also another boy in his year who taunts him and yesterday, whilst looking at Dylan picking up his lunch (he dropped his bag), he stood on his biscuits and his crisps.
I'm literally heartbroken.
I never thought I'd be a mother experiencing this and know I can't be the only mother that's been through this.....
xoxo ... Carla
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