Bullying is a serious problem in childhood and it can start as early as preschool. It is important for parents to understand what bullying is and how to identify it so that you may teach your children about it. Teaching your preschooler about bullying will give them the understanding and vocabulary to tell an adult when they are being bullied, to identify when others are being bullied, and to prevent them from becoming a bully themselves. Most children aren’t actively trying to hurt the feelings of other children, but they have not yet necessarily developed the social skills or impulse control to consider another child’s emotional reaction. To teach your child about bullying you first have to know what bullying can look like and how to approach the topic.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is when someone repeatedly and deliberately makes another person feel bad either through words, actions, or exclusion. Bullying can be physical harassment, but it can also include saying purposefully hurtful things or not allowing someone to take part in activities or social groups. When these harmful behaviours are repeated, as opposed to a one time incident, then it is considered bullying.
Why Might Someone Be A Bully?
Some children may bully because they have not considered the emotional impact they are making on others and are solely focused on their own wants and feelings, while other children may be aware of the upsetting nature of their actions and words but like the feeling of control it gives them. Often, the children doing the bullying don’t fully understand the consequences of their actions. Many preschool aged children don’t have highly developed empathy, or the understanding that everyone has their own individual life and emotions that are just as vivid and complex as their own. This lack of awareness can cause children to willingly inflict emotional or physical harm without deliberately causing negative consequences.
How To Talk To Your Preschooler About Bullying
There are two ways you should approach the subject: casually and formally. Bullying is a serious topic that does need to be firmly addressed and explained with a sit-down conversation where you can clearly explain what bullying is and your child can ask questions. Other times it can be easier for your child to open up and discuss their personal experience with bullying if the conversation is more natural and they don’t have their guard up.
Bullying may seem like a large topic to approach but it is important to discuss it with your preschooler so that they can thrive in school and social situations. Every kid has the right to receive their child education in a safe and supportive environment free from bullying. Grey Matter Montessori School in Calgary is committed to ensuring each student and staff member provides a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe environment to help promote the well-being of all. As a school, we do not tolerate harassment and/or bullying of any kind to ensure that children will receive their child education in a bully-free classroom. To register your child at our Calgary NW Montessori location, you can call 1-587-707-4739 or fill out the online contact form.
Q: How does Grey Matter Montessori take steps to prevent bullying?
A: At Grey Matter Montessori preschool, we develop a child’s socialization skills and teach about different cultures and backgrounds, which helps children understand the world at large and appreciate the differences between people, leading to lower rates of bullying. Preventing bullying through teaching respect and understanding is a vital part of child education.
Q: How can my child learn to deal with their emotions?
A: At Grey Matter Montessori, child education is holistic, leading your preschooler to an earlier understanding of the world around them and how they function within it. By engaging children mentally and physically, they are given the opportunity to learn at their own pace and figure out how to understand themselves. As your child develops, they learn the skills to properly understand their own experiences and senses.
Q: How does Montessori preschool help prepare children for school?
A: The Montessori method of teaching delivers on certain principles to help prepare your pre-kindergarten-aged child for education in school and in life. Some of the ideas behind this approach include:
If you are wondering if a Montessori preschool program is right for your child, reach out to the team at Grey Matter in Calgary for more information about the programs and learning environment.
Grey Matter Montessori gives Calgary children a strong start through hands-on learning, thoughtful guidance, and a full Montessori program. In a welcoming environment, children build independence, confidence, social skills, and a genuine love of learning. Parents choose Grey Matter for an education that prepares their child for school and helps them grow beyond it. Preschool & Kindergarten, Montessori Calgary.
