Tip #2. Being the Victim of a Bully

I'm Dr. Myrna Shure from Drexel University with today's parenting tip, brought to you by the New Jersey Governor's Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee.

Is your child picked on, teased by classmates, left out of cliques at school?

Here's some ways you can help.

• Let her know you understand she's unhappy, and let her know you care.
• Help her think of one thing she's really good at, to help her focus on her strengths - and may help get those classmates to see her in a new light.
• You can then help her think through what she can do or say so kids will stop teasing her.

One 9-year-old boy was called "Bacon" 'cause he was fat. Instead of unleashing a good swift kick, he paused - then looked at him and said, "Yeah, and I sizzle, I sizzle."

What a different outcome than might have been if this boy couldn't control his anger, or walked away pouting.

Children can learn to change behaviors they can change, and to respond to children who tease them about things they cannot.

I'm Dr. Myrna B. Shure.