Washington Elementary

First, talk with your child about the situation. Have they tried standing up for themselves? It is always better to empower children to solve their own problems before rescuing them. If the child has tried numerous times to advocate for themselves, or if the bullying is severe, then adult assistance is needed. Contact child teacher to let him or her know of the situation. Many times, children have not made their teacher aware of what's going on. Strategies could include

1. Ignore
2. Avoid the student 
3. Make a joke 
4. Use an I feel statement "I feel ______when you _________, please ________. 
5. Stay in a group - stick up for each other !

• Begin with having a specific time and place where homework is completed each night. Develop a schedule with your child so that he or she feels a part of the "homework plan". Allow your child to begin activities independently. Remember, homework is extra practice and is not used to introduce a new skill. Your child should be familiar with homework activities. After independent work time, allow your child to ask for help. Tired of the homework struggle ? Try a behavior contract for completed work. Successfully attempting homework independently can be rewarded by extra TV time, a family game night, or a game outside.

• Ask the teacher to meet with you about your concerns. Remember, teachers are people too! Attack the problem and not the person. By working together, almost all teacher/ parent/ child relationship conflicts can be solved. If you feel that you still have concerns, contact an administrator. Remember moving a Childs class rarely solves the problem, so be prepared to try other strategies.