Are Parents the Cause of Bullying?

In many cases, kids become bullies because of what they have learned from their parents. Parents have to take a close look at their own behavior. Parental behavior can create both bullies and targets depending on the family dynamic and the personalities of the children.

Even something as subtle as gossiping is a form of bullying. If you are gossiping about others in front of your kids, you are sending the message that this kind of behavior is acceptable.

If you are the kind of parent who lets everyone push you around(including a spouse), kids pick up on this and think this is the way they are supposed to behave. It can also work the other way. If you are a push over parent, your child may actually be bully training on YOU!!!! They figure if they can push around an adult, other kids are that much easier.

If you are an over bearing control freak parent, you might be setting up your kids to either become bullies or targets. Sometimes kids will believe that they have to control everyone and everything around them at all costs because this is the way they get treated at home. OR it might beat them into being too submissive and lead them to become targets. Once again, this depends on the personality of the child.

Push over parents need to step up and establish some guidelines and be consistent with enforcing them.

Control freak parents need to pick and chose battles and act in the best interest of the children. If you chose to do what you always have done, do not be surprised if you kids are getting bullied or become bullies themselves.

The good news is that this can be easily changed once parents become aware of the example they are setting.

My experience with kids is that they will do half what you do well and twice what you do bad. Be mindful of how you act around your kids. Monkey see, monkey do.

Whether kids are bullies or targets, training at AKKA will teach both about developing ASSERTIVE behavior that will be used constructively. To learn more about our programs. Visit www.akka.com