| Bullies thrive on reaction, so the trick is to not give a reaction. Like Ian said, hold your head high, walk tall and walk away. They will sooner or later get bored because they don't get a reaction from you. React, by trying to put your point across or standing your ground will give them what they want and fuel their need to bully.
Jaye was being picked on by some boys when she was 5 at the after school club. She is a sensitive little thing and ended up running away crying. Sure, I gave her a hug, I'm her Mum, but the sympathy wasn't given too much. I talked to her like she was a grown up and explained that they picked on her cos she reacted. I suggested she just looked at them when they said the bad stuff, turned around and walked away. No matter how bad or sad she was feeling, don't let them see it. The following day she did that and the day after. Within about 4 days they stopped picking on her and actually wanted to play with her cos they thought she was cool.
It's happened a few times now and everytime she's been crying when I've come in from work I remind her and the next day all things are back to normal because she's not reacted.
It works. DON'T let them see your pain and hurt. That fuels them, so don't give a bully that satisfaction. |