Choose respect against bullying

KIDSCAPE are celebrating Friendship Friday on November 9, in the run-up to Anti-Bullying Week from the 9-12th.

The theme of AntiBullying Week this year is “Choose Respect” and on Friday the 9th we will be celebrating healthy and happy relationships with children across the country.

Kidscape provides practical advice and support for children and families struggling with bullying, and this Friendship Friday we are sharing top tips for parents and carers on promoting respectful relationships:

■ Show an interest in your child’s friendships. Encourage positive social interactions, but allow them to experience the ups and downs of friends and to seek your guidance as required.

■ Read books and watch age-appropriate television shows and films with strong friendship themes. Discuss what being a “good friend” and being “respectful” means to them and to you.

■ Support your child to understand that getting on and falling out with others is normal – you can still be friends even if you do not always agree or do not want to play together.

■ Help them learn to disagree respectfully and negotiate with their friends. They may need y your help with specific words that they can use in difficult situations, eg. ““I’m busy now. Maybe we can play later”, instead of “go away”. Practise through role play.

■ When conflicts arise, gently coach your child to problem solve and find their own solutions.

■ Model ways of dealing with conflict appropriately. For example, walking away to calm down or practising deep breathing.

For more advice and help with bullying, we at Kidscape are here. www. kidscape.org.uk

Lauren Seager-Smith CEO Kidscape