Is Your Child Being Bullied? Ask them these questions!

Here at Rising Sun Martial Arts in Jupiter, Florida we communicate with parents on daily basis. Over the years we discuss many topics regarding martial arts or karate training for kids and teens. One of the many benefits of training in our Eskrima system is the bully defense aspect.

Often, I ask parents if their child has to deal with bullies at school. Their answer usually goes like this:

“No!”

“Well… I don’t think so.”

Then Mom looks at Dad… Mom and Dad look back to me…

“Actually, we don’t know.”

The truth is, as parents, we usually don’t know. It’s awkward for our kids to tell us and it’s awkward for us to ask about it. When we do ask our kids about their school day most parents tend to ask the wrong kinds of questions. Here is some help:

Don’t ask: How was your day today? What did you do today? Was everything okay? How was school?

Because all you’ll get is one word answers: “Fine.” “Okay.” “Nothing.” “Yeah.”

So what kind of questions are better? Check out these below:

  • Who do you talk to on the bus?
  • Do you sit with the same kids every day?
  • Has this child ever sat with someone else?
  • Who did you sit with that day?
  • Have you ever sat alone?
  • What would you do if that child were out sick, or who would you sit with if you had to find another child?
  • Does anyone ever get picked on, called names or teased during the bus ride?
  • Does this ever happen to you?
  • Do you ever do this to someone else?
  • Does anyone ever get knocked out of his seat on the bus?
  • Has this ever happened to you?
  • Do kids act like there are assigned seats and has anyone ever challenged that?
  • Who do you eat lunch with every day?
  • Does it ever happen that your group isn’t there, and if so, who would you join for lunch?
  • Do you have someone to play with during recess?
  • Who did you play with at recess today?
  • Do you notice if anyone is being teased, picked on or left out at lunch and recess?
  • Does anyone ever get left out of a game at recess? Or not have the ball passed to him on purpose?
  • Does this ever happen to you?
  • Who would you tell if it did happen to you?

If they reveal incidents like these have happened to them, follow up:

  • Do your friends know?
  • Have you ever asked them to help you?
  • Have you spoken to anyone at school about this?
  • What adults do you feel safe with in school?
  • What kids do you feel safe with in school?
  • Has anyone who has seen reported this to an adult?
  • Does your school have any way that you can report this without feeling like it will make things worse?

Have questions? I’m always available to help.

As a former bullied kid myself I am passionate about stopping the bullying in your child’s life.

Neil Buzick


If you would like more information about our Martial Arts Program for Kids and Teens don’t hesitate to call us at (561)-222-3903.

Get started today with our martial arts free trial.

SHARE THIS POST

About our Martial Arts programs

Kids Martial Arts
in Jupiter

Parents LOVE our Jupiter Kids Martial Arts program because it teaches not only self defense, but also vital life skills like focus, discipline, respect, and more! Watch your child's confidence flourish and their grades improve with this awesome Child Greatness program.

- DISCOVER -

Teen Martial Arts
in Jupiter

Combining confidence-raising fitness and life-changing self defense, our Jupiter Teen Martial Arts program keeps your teen's wellness and happiness in mind. It's time to get your teenager active, making new friends and bettering themselves.


- DISCOVER -

Adult Martial Arts
in Jupiter

Our Jupiter Adult Martial Arts program combines next-level fitness with next-level FUN- no more boring workouts! It's time to switch up your routine and get the results you've been looking for in an awesome community of like-minded people.


- DISCOVER -

Summer Camp
in Jupiter

Discover why parents in Jupiter love our Kids Martial Arts Summer Camps. Give your child an experience they won't forget. Martial arts changes lives.

- DISCOVER -