Get Bullying Reports Taken Seriously

I used to receive stacks of papers from my child's school, but like many parents, I didn’t always read them carefully.

I didn't realize the importance of some forms until I had to learn about submitting an official bullying report to keep my child safe. I did my research and realized that reporting incidents verbally to the teacher or principal wasn’t enough—the problem persisted all year.

It wasn't until the start of the second school year that I discovered the key: submitting an official report. Only then did the school leaders enforce their policies.

Unfortunately, at some schools, if you don’t submit a written bullying/incident report or request an official investigation, you may never see a real solution.

Here are three tips to help you get started:

  1. Gather Necessary Information: Use my "Bullying Incident Report" template to guide you in collecting the right details.
  2. Review the School’s Policy: Check the student handbook,...
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6 Proven Strategies to Help Your Child Thrive This School Year

As summer fades and the back-to-school season approaches, both parents and kids often face a mix of excitement and anxiety. The start of a new school year brings the promise of fresh beginnings, but it can also present challenges that can feel overwhelming for both children and their families. From adjusting to new routines to managing social dynamics and academic pressures, the transition back to school is a significant period that requires careful navigation.

Here’s how you can help your child overcome these hurdles and ensure a successful start to the school year.

1. Establish a Routine Early

One of the biggest challenges kids face when returning to school is adjusting to a new schedule. Over the summer, bedtimes often get later, and mornings become more relaxed. However, as the school year begins, it’s important to reestablish a routine.

Tips:

  • Start early: Begin transitioning your child back to a school schedule a couple of weeks before school starts. Gradually move...
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What can we change to promote equity and equality?

According to the International Women's Day (IWD) website, "...today, March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality."

How can we do this?

Vote against laws that hold women back

Mentor girls and women

Support victims of any type of abuse

Stop victim shaming

Support and/or donate to a female business owner

Support and/or donate towards a female student's tuition expenses

Educate yourself about women's history

Pay women fair and competitive wages for their work

But, there's more you could do to ensure that we DO NOT pass on old customs that reinforce inequality. 

Be mindful of how you treat your sons and daughters. 

Watch your words. Sometimes, when we tell our children that they can or cannot do things, we are unconsciously giving advice based on how we were raised and based on the expectations of others rather than from...

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3 Attributes To Look For In A Parenting Coach

Hey there amazing parents! Ever wondered what an anti-bullying coach does? Yep, it's a thing! I've been on this incredible journey for five years now, and let me tell you, I absolutely LOVE it!

Why did I dive into this? Well, because parenting, like for many of you, hasn't been a walk in the park for me. There were moments when I craved honest, unbiased advice without the fear of judgment. And guess what? You're not alone in feeling that way.

Let's talk about the stigma around reaching out for parenting help – it's a bit silly, right? I mean, we seek assistance for everything else in life, so why should parenting be any different?

Enter the superhero of your parenting journey: the parenting coach! ‍ Here are THREE things to consider when searching for your perfect parenting coach:

  1. Synergy: Find someone you vibe with. Your coach should feel like a trusted friend, someone you're comfortable sharing even the toughest parenting experiences with. It's a...

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Challenging 'Snitches Get Stitches' Culture

I’m sure that you’ve heard the phrase 'snitches get stitches.' I want you to really think about what that means.

You see, I think that people don’t understand what snitching really is when someone is seeking safety.

Bystander intervention has been found to be less common than expected. Many students witness bullying incidents but do not report them or intervene. Schools and organizations are working to educate students about the importance of standing up against bullying.

Unfortunately, I believe that bystanders choose not to act because the 'snitches get stitches' culture is so prevalent, and whether you know it or not, you and I have at one point or another supported that belief.

You see, there is great fear in REPORTING something out of concern that you will be seen as 'the snitch.'

I can think of several movies where a tragedy has happened, and the members of the community are still apprehensive or completely against reporting the perpetrator. The apprehension...

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5 Tips To Nurture Your Child's Mental Well-Being

How are you doing with the school season starting up again? 

You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about kids’ behaviors because they’re definitely different than when you and I were growing up. I mean…they don’t do much outside!

That’s so weird to me. I actually kicked my two teens out of the house for an hour hoping they would take a walk or come up with some type of activity to spend the hour. 

Do you know what they did? 

THEY SAT AT THE FRONT DOOR. THE. ENTIRE. HOUR!

Can you believe that?!

And, YES! I took their devices. 

You see, studies show that being outside for at least 15 minutes around nature helps increase high energy and reduces depression, anxiety, and many other negative mental health effects.

Kids are spending too much time indoors, particularly in their bedrooms. Without having exposure to natural vitamin D (sunlight) and mixing that with always being in front of a screen, kids are more prone to developing...

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1 in 50 Kids Become Victims of Identity Theft

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Kids aware of world news experience more anxiety

Kids are more in tune with world affairs than you might realize. As a matter of fact, there has been a rise in minors using Twitter to keep up with the news.  

While it’s great that they’re interested in staying up to date, kids can get more and more anxious and fearful. 

So, although they might seem ok or unphased about what’s going on, start asking questions. The first thing you want to know is how much they know.

Before you start this conversation with them, consider a game plan. You might be surprised about what they could tell you. 

  First of all, ask open-ended questions. Example: What have your friends been sharing about the conflict in Ukraine? How do you and your friends feel about the school shootings in the U.S.? 

  Validate their feelings. Kids have a right to feel what they feel because their emotions are real to them.  

  Answer their questions with the truth. When you do this, adjust your language...

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Do You Know How To Keep Your Child Safe Online?

There are so many controversies about kids and social media.

This is what people have said. 

  Parents can get sued by social media platforms if their kids are caught on a platform they're not old enough to be on.

  Social media platforms are nothing but trouble for kids. 

  Kids shouldn't be on social media. 

  I don’t need to monitor my child’s devices. They’re responsible and know what to not do.

  As long as my child’s account is private, they’ll be ok. 

But the thing is, most parents don't know enough about the dangers and safety measures they should implement to keep their kids safe online.

That’s why before you give your child a device that allows them to get on social media, YOU MUST educate yourself first. 

To give you an idea about why you should seek out education about social media dangers, here are some stats. 

According to the Pew Research Center studies, the...

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Can you accept a compliment?

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1 of 3 kids admits to having been bullied.

Most kids NEVER tell an adult that they're being bullied because they try to handle the situation alone or they fear that telling an adult might make matters worse. 

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