SHOW KIDS THAT ‘DIFFERENT’ IS OK

Scarlett Moffatt says health problems made her an easy target for bullies. Emma says we need to teach children not to judge

had big front teeth I as a kid, so at school I was called “Goofy” and “Walrus”. Luckily that didn't hurt me because my parents had instilled in me from an early age that other people’s opinions were not facts and should be dismissed when they had cruel intent.

However, for many children, being different or having a disability can make them feel isolated and lead to a whole host of self-esteem issues. It is your job to educate your children to treat other people with respect.

The way you talk about people in your home will influence the way your children react to people outside of it, so being kind and respectful is key.

If you hear your children laughing at other kids, ask them to imagine how difficult that would be if it were the other way around. Positively reinforcing your children’s good behaviour and kind actions also encourages them to act positively towards others.

Finally, if your child is guilty of bullying, or has been unfair to a peer, help them work through why their behaviour is unacceptable, as often kids don't really understand the impact of their actions. Explaining the importance of embracing people no matter who they are is an important life skill that will make their future friendships and relationships more fulfilling.