October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Data shows that about twenty-eight percent of kids get bullied at school or online. So there is about a one in three chance our children will be a victim of this at some point during their school years.
As parents, the fear of our children being bullied is real. We realize we cannot be there all the time to protect them. Just the thought can leave us feeling angry and helpless.
I believe a potentially bigger threat exists. I describe it as “Self-Bullying. ” It is a debilitating combination of low self-esteem and low self-worth.
It inhibits a child’s ability to develop the confidence needed to stand up to bullying. This negative self-perception can be compounded by children’s exposure to social media and all the disinformation that tells them what it takes to be accepted by their peers. Their identity and self-worth are often influenced by what is trending and getting the most views and likes.
We need to regulate our children’s device time and what they consume. Do not disregard it because it is a widely accepted societal norm. Unmonitored screentime is one of the greatest threats to our children’s well-being.
So, how do we help our children overcome self-bullying and bullying? First, they need to believe that they are worth defending. This begins at home.
We show our kids how much they are loved and valued through our every word, thought, and action. It provides a foundation of trust rooted in strong family values. As parents, we look to give our children experiences that support discovering their potential.
We enroll them in activities that benefit their development and growth. We create memories as a family that can have a positive influence on our children throughout their lives. Martial arts is one of those must-have activities.
It teaches children meaningful life skills through goal setting, hard work, and overcoming challenges. It builds grit and a never-give-up attitude. At One Martial Arts, we provide a family-centric social environment that puts the child’s development first.
It meets them where they are, giving them a safe space to be themselves confidently. I am inspired by Michael J. Fox’s saying, “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.
” My team and I are dedicated to creating curriculum and experiences that respect each individual and their unique skillsets. I am humbled to witness the special qualities of my children and the students I teach. If I can help them see how amazing they are and can be, they will decide they are worth defending.
They will not tolerate any form of bullying. They will set healthy boundaries that welcome quality friendships. Our children will be empowered to make disciplined choices and create a quality life one day.
Life has taught me that we will all experience suffering. Our children are no exception to this. They will hurt, emotionally and physically, in some form during their lives.
Teaching our kids resilience will help them find balance through their suffering. They will have the confidence to weather life’s storms. It will provide valuable learning to help our kids confidently take the next step forward in bettering their lives.
This suffering includes bullying. Whether it be an unkind word, exclusion, or the unthinkable of physical violence, our children will have the self-esteem and self-worth to defend themselves. As parents, we know that we cannot always be there to protect our children.
But if they know they are loved for who they are, they will know with complete confidence that they are worth defending. As a community, I invite you to help us end bullying and self-bullying at One Martial Arts.