As a parent you probably never thought you would even imagine a need to learn How To Stop Bullying Behavior In Preschool Kids. Sadly, the trend of younger children becoming bullies has become more and more common over the last decade. Sources show that bullying is a common factor among younger children. While a child that young may not be intentionally targeting another child as someone would as tween or teen, they are still exhibiting bullying behavior that needs to be controlled. These tips will help provide you with a great starting place to work with your child and their preschool environment so this is not a problem.
HOW TO STOP BULLYING BEHAVIOR IN PRESCHOOL KIDS
Communicate on their level. While they may be acting out by kicking, biting, hitting, pinching or name calling the term “bully” may not mean anything to them. Communicate with them on their level so they can understand that their actions and words are hurtful to others. Ask them how they would feel if you did those things to them. For the child that has been bullied, soothe them and help them know you are on their side and working to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Remove them from the situation. Whether the child is being a bully or the one being bullied, removing them from the immediate situation is the beginning. Separate the children and find out what triggered the incident. Make sure they understand that the behavior was wrong. If possible, make the offending party apologize to the person they hurt. Separating younger children that don’t get along into different classes or groups can also solve a temporary bullying issue.
Keep open communication with their teachers and caregivers. If you see a problem happening with your child, be sure to speak openly to their teacher or caregiver. Work together for solutions. Talk about any changes that may be occurring at home that could cause frustration or outbursts. Look at the possibility of changing sleep schedules or even diets to create a better attitude and physical health for the child. There are a multitude of options that you can discuss with your child and their caregivers.
Don’t back down. Whether you preschooler is being bullied or is the bully, don’t back down. Work until you find a resolution. This age is so important for their long term development. Make sure to continue trying different options to build their self esteem and protect them.
Knowing how to stop bullying behavior in preschool kids is not a quick fix. You really must adapt and learn what is causing the problem and do your best to protect them and make positive changes.
Have you ever dealt with bullying behavior in preschool kids? How did you handle it?
I am trying to collect data for various age groups so that I can make cliff notes for teachers and students to help them prevent bullying.
Wonderful tips! Early prevention is absolutely key. I appreciated how you stressed the importance of breaking everything down in a way the child can understand. Often young children don’t always know how their words and actions affect others–or how the words and actions of others are affecting them. Helping our kids to grasp this concept young will benefit them in multiple ways as they grow. Thanks for the article!
My granddaughters elementary school has zero tolerance along with lectures and assemblies to deal with bullying.
I wish our old preschool teacher would have read this.
Keeping communication open is a must. I’ve never experienced it in pre-school but my autistic son was being bullied on the school bus and I had to open communication between the school and the bus driver.
Good information – bullying is so serious! Stopping bullying is very important! Kids need to know that!
Great tips to nip bullying early, thanks!
It was great of you to share this. Bullying starts as soon as children interact with others and parents need to learn ways to stop the behavior.
Thank you for posting this. we are having some problems with our son in preschool. one boy in his class is really making it hard for my son to enjoy his preschool years so sad!
It is a shame bullying starts so young. These are great tips for parents and teachers
It is so sad that kids bully this young. My 4 year old son was bullied at the park yesterday by another 4 year old. I think it needs to start with the parents.
It’s such a difficult thing to go through. I’m glad you mentioned persistence because it’s easy to want to give up when you keep getting thwarted and it keeps going on.
It is so important to be vocal about this as our children need our help when things like this happen. It is great to spread awareness and offer solutions
This is great advice! I think if you stop this behavior early on it makes it so much easier once they reach elementary school.
I have a 4yo son. I feel thankful we haven’t encountered this — yet.
Good advice. Must always stand up for this
Bullying is awful and totally unacceptable. Adults need to set a good example too.
Bullying is awful. My son is getting bullied on the bus by an older child.
It’s important to take measures to stop bullying behaviors. Bullying’s effects can spread through an entire family.
This is always tough especially when a parent doesn’t think their child is being a bully.
This is the stage where bullying should be nipped in the Bud. I like the idea of communication between caregiver and child. Talking is important , sometimes the kids don’t understand they are being unkind
I had no idea this was happpening as early as preschool. These are some really great tips.
Great tips, what a shame we have to deal with this. There is so much to worry about in school now parent’s have to deal with bullies. It’s not cool.
These are great tips. Sad that kids start bullying so young, but its great that we can start teaching them that bullying is wrong as young as possible.
How sad that bullying is happening at such a young age.
I didn’t realize that it took place with kids so young. How sad.
Thanks for these great tips, Katie! I’ve been a victim of bullying on social media. It’s so sad to think many parents don’t know how to deal with curbing bullying behavior. More people need to see this!