It would be much better if there was no such thing as bullying but it is there and I would venture to guess it is worse than at times past. But your advice is right on point. Just because someone says it does not make it true. We need to have tougher skin and not let the little hurts that happen often to children decide who we are. I want my child to know regardless of what people may say or do to them they are a valuable human being with God given talents and are capable of handling those situations. We can't cave because that makes us weak. We have to stand strong and be courageous. I love this article and appreciate your insight.
JaneNovember 7, 2019
I disagree. I believe words can have long lasting effects whether the person consciously takes them to heart or not. Surface smiles cannot undo the lasting impact of verbal and emotional abuse. It's a good place to start. But messages from cruel and thoughtless parents, siblings, friends, teachers and even the culture as a whole, can build a false foundation of lies within. It takes courage to recognize them and seek the power of Christ's truths to find freedom from them comes.
Nicholeen PeckNovember 5, 2019
Reboot, I know you are right. As a previous foster parent I have seen some of the toughest teens through some of their most agonizing struggles. I’m with you. Christ-like understanding is what we should foster. This article is for parents of the bullied and the people who feel unsafe in society for whatever reason. This article it to put things in perspective and give them hope and empowerment. I hope it does that. Thanks so much for your additional insight.
Sally SmithNovember 4, 2019
This article hits the nail on the head. My parents taught me "sticks and stones" and it got me through some tough bullying. I would also say silently say, that's what you are not me.
rebkotNovember 4, 2019
Yes, it does seem like there is so much emotional fragility these days. I think the "Sticks and stones" outlook might inspire dismissal or contempt of others, which really isn't great for us. I wonder if thinking about the reasons someone might bully others - see them as the Savior sees them- is a good strategy. Are they abused, bullied themselves? Do they have an overwhelming need to follow/fit in with other kids? are they lacking self-confidence? If we can see them as needing our understanding, or as a person with overwhelming challenges maybe that removes the sting and even brings us some level of compassion for them. I am absolutely sure that if we peeled back the layers on ANY person who is behaving poorly, we would find wounds and weaknesses that would inspire our compassion.
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Sue C.November 8, 2019
It would be much better if there was no such thing as bullying but it is there and I would venture to guess it is worse than at times past. But your advice is right on point. Just because someone says it does not make it true. We need to have tougher skin and not let the little hurts that happen often to children decide who we are. I want my child to know regardless of what people may say or do to them they are a valuable human being with God given talents and are capable of handling those situations. We can't cave because that makes us weak. We have to stand strong and be courageous. I love this article and appreciate your insight.
JaneNovember 7, 2019
I disagree. I believe words can have long lasting effects whether the person consciously takes them to heart or not. Surface smiles cannot undo the lasting impact of verbal and emotional abuse. It's a good place to start. But messages from cruel and thoughtless parents, siblings, friends, teachers and even the culture as a whole, can build a false foundation of lies within. It takes courage to recognize them and seek the power of Christ's truths to find freedom from them comes.
Nicholeen PeckNovember 5, 2019
Reboot, I know you are right. As a previous foster parent I have seen some of the toughest teens through some of their most agonizing struggles. I’m with you. Christ-like understanding is what we should foster. This article is for parents of the bullied and the people who feel unsafe in society for whatever reason. This article it to put things in perspective and give them hope and empowerment. I hope it does that. Thanks so much for your additional insight.
Sally SmithNovember 4, 2019
This article hits the nail on the head. My parents taught me "sticks and stones" and it got me through some tough bullying. I would also say silently say, that's what you are not me.
rebkotNovember 4, 2019
Yes, it does seem like there is so much emotional fragility these days. I think the "Sticks and stones" outlook might inspire dismissal or contempt of others, which really isn't great for us. I wonder if thinking about the reasons someone might bully others - see them as the Savior sees them- is a good strategy. Are they abused, bullied themselves? Do they have an overwhelming need to follow/fit in with other kids? are they lacking self-confidence? If we can see them as needing our understanding, or as a person with overwhelming challenges maybe that removes the sting and even brings us some level of compassion for them. I am absolutely sure that if we peeled back the layers on ANY person who is behaving poorly, we would find wounds and weaknesses that would inspire our compassion.
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