Preventing the Long-Term Emotional Toll of Bullying | Stephanie Cameron – episode 3

Bullying is a growing problem. We worry about our child becoming a victim and don’t want them to be hurt and embarrassed. As parents if we find out our kid is being bullied we do everything we can to get it to stop. But what if you don’t know it’s happening? And what if the emotional pain doesn’t go away when it stops? On today’s episode of the Mighty Parenting Podcast, Judy Davis and Sandy Fowler interview bullying advocate Stephanie Cameron. Stephanie was bullied as a child and knows first hand the pain it can cause and what happens when the bullying stops. She’ll give us a behind-the-scenes look at that as well as share insights into knowing when your child is being bullied plus tell us when parents should and shouldn’t get involved.

In today’s Real Talk segment, Judy and Sandy dive into communication. This is a sticky situation for many people and when you toss a teenager or twenty something into the mix things can get tough. Find out their tips for getting kids to open up and share what’s really happening in their lives.

A Favorite Quote from the Show:

Deep reveals often come out at bedtime so parents need to be aware and open.

The High Points about Bullying:

We need to remember that things don’t always go back to normal when the bullying ends.

In an adult, the emotional wound tends to looks like:

• Low self-esteem
• Lack of grounding
• Lack of purpose

In a child or teen, the emotional wound tends to look like:

• Lack of sleep
• Fits of anger
• Nervousness
• Something is just off

As parents, we need to know bullying is happening before we can stop it, so we must be truly listening to our kids. Additionally, be ready for them to open up at various times – bedtime or in the car are common.

Parenting Strategies: Words to say to our kids to help prevent the emotional wounds of bullying:

• You are not alone.
• You matter.
• You’re important.
• Thank you for telling me.
• You are important to me.
• You have a voice.
• You don’t deserve this.

More from our Guest:

As a former victim of bullying, Stephanie travels to schools, libraries, churches and community events offering encouragement and healing. She is the author of Ella Mae the Courageous Cheerleader – a children’s book about a hedgehog family that faces bullying with courage, confidence and faith.  Stephanie’s mission is to bring hope to victims of bullying and ultimately save lives from depression and suicide.

Learn more, purchase her book or connect with Stephanie, visit https://ellamaebooks.com