What should my child say when he's bullied?

Teach your child that if he needs to respond, simple direct commands work best delivered in a strong determined voice (which must be practiced): “No!” Other responses include a firmly delivered:

• “Cut it out.”
• “No way.”
• “Stop.”
• “Back off.”

Then teach your child to walk away with shoulders held back. The trick is to not look like a victim (and that will take time and practice).

Also, if you want your child to stick up for himself, don’t be so quick to step in and solve his problems or speak for him. Kids need practice being assertive so when the moment comes when they do need to stand up to a bully, they can.

Start by slowly stepping back from rescuing and speaking for your child. You can be on the sidelines to help him know what to say or do better the “next time” but your child must learn to be confident in his own skin. It’s the best way for your child to learn how to speak up and stand up for himself.