The "Back to school Bitch"...

What is UP with school starting in the middle of August?

Regardless, kids everywhere are going school shopping with their parents to get ready for the year. Every child wants the best backpack, shoes, clothes, notebooks..etc..

Why?

They want to fit in. They want to be accepted. They want friends. They want to learn.

Some can't wait to get OUT of their home and get to a stable environment.

So what happens when a child goes to school and gets relentlessly bullied?

That kid has no reprieve. Used to be that if you could make it to your bus on Friday and get home then you wouldn't have to deal with bullying until Monday. Now, kids are harassed on Facebook, texts, twitter..24/7.

What can we do as parents to prevent this?

First, figure out if your child is the" bullied" or the" bullier" or the "passive watcher" or the "oblivious to everything" kid.

Ask if they have been picked on or have seen someone picked on. Ask what they did in the situation.

I had a patient in Chloe's class. He was overweight and had a speech problem and came from a rough home. He came in for a sore throat. After figuring out he was in Chloe's grade, I asked him if he knew her. He smiled and said , "Yeah, I know Chloe..she's nice to me".

I felt all kinds of things. I was glad Chloe was nice. I was sad that this kid divided up people in school that were either nice to him or were mean to him. When he was out of the room ,I asked his mom if he had a best friend. She said that she had no idea. She is a great mom and was worried sick about her little guy's throat, but had no idea if he had a friend.

Later, I asked Chloe if she knew this kid. I didn't tell her he was my patient but she probably assumed. She said that she knew him and felt sorry for him cus he was so nice to everyone but most people were mean back. She said she always says " Hi" to him.

I really used that situation to help Chloe realize how much that " Hi" meant to him everyday. She never forgets to say "Hello" to him now. She also called out a person that was picking on him.

We should all take a moment with our kids and remind them how their actions and words can make or break some one's day..week..year..

Also, ask your child if someone is being mean to THEM. If so, be aggressive. Don't let your kid think he or she is alone. Let them know that you have their back.

Call other parents. Call the school. Be your child's advocate!