Defeat the Bully

Let me share a few tips ideas and quotes that may be helpful to you.

1. Bullies have a hard time taking advice like this: “Never tease a weasel. I’ve told you once or twice. Because weasels do not like it and teasing is not nice!” (A book about being nice Never Tease a Weasel by Jean Conder Soul).

2. The mistake bullies make is to assume because you are nice, you are weak. But when you think about it, it takes a lot of strength and character to be a good person.

So what can you do when confronted by bullying behavior? You keep cool and apply The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have done unto you.

Stand strong by following these strategies:

A. Do not give others the power to get you mad. When you attack, fight back, or retaliate you tell the badly behaved person (AKA the Bully) they got to you. Getting mad lets them win and you lose. Your anger gives the bully emotional power over you. Power they do not deserve. Power that allows them to feel superior. So be your own super hero and ignore them or walk away.

B. Treat whatever bullies tell you with a grain of salt: Badly behaved people can only hold you emotionally hostage if they believe they have hurt you with words. Remember the adage sticks and stones will break your bones but words will never hurt you-unless you allow them to.

C. Do not be afraid: Nothing gives a bully more power and satisfaction then fear. Fear is the ultimate feeding frenzy for bullies. They know if you are afraid and they will continue to treat you badly again and again. Know there are times when being afraid is OK. Such as if someone threatens you harm or physically hurts you or takes something that belongs to you. In these situations your best strategy is to tell a trusted adult. It is also OK to ask for advice in dealing with bully behavior. You have the right to be safe. You have the right to be the wonderful, valuable person that you are!