How To Teach Your Child To Respond To Teasing
Although it may seem that a little irritating among children is insignificant , it can have a great impact on their psychological development. That is why we must teach our children how to deal with teasing from a young age.
The frequency and cruelty of teasing can vary. One of the main reasons behind this type of interaction is ignorance and lack of empathy.
In other words, when children face something they do not know what it is, they can start making fun of it. They basically believe that the best way to interact with new phenomena is to engage with them.
Factors that can affect irritation
- The age of the child.
- Support from the family.
- Household values.
- The child’s social skills.
- Presence or absence of academic advisers.
- Behaviors of teachers responsible for children.
- The way a new classmate is introduced.
Science reveals the effects of teasing
Humiliation has been shown to have an effect on the human brain. The effect is even more intense than emotions such as joy and anger.
A group of researchers from the University of Amsterdam conducted an experiment to measure the impact of humiliation and irritation.
They selected a group of individuals and read some stories to them. During the readings, they had to put themselves in the seat as the main characters. This made it possible for them to experience the different emotions that the main character felt.
Humiliation activated areas of the brain that are related to pain. This is what led researchers to suspect that humiliation is perceived by the brain as intensely as pain does.
How to teach children to deal with teasing?
Parents should find out what is going on and analyze the best options to follow.
What is the root of the irritation? How often does it occur? How does the child react to it? And finally, how can you help your child deal with irritation in a healthy way?
You need to answer these questions to solve the problem in the best and fastest way.
It is also important to find out if your child is the object of ridicule; or vice versa, the one who mocks and bullies others.
Children should learn how to respond appropriately to teasing. This will help them attack the root of the problem and it will disarm their bullies.
Depriving the people who are teased of the effect they want will make them bored and they will stop teasing.
We should never call our children “cowards” or “lipsills” because this does not solve the problem or make the children stronger. The best option is to give them respect, love and understanding.
When children explain their problems, it is important for us to show empathy for their feelings. It is also important to share personal anecdotes with those who can help insure them.
We should emphasize the positive aspects of the situation and let them know that we can find a solution.
Important advice
- Never encourage violence.
- If it’s mocking, we should teach kids to ignore it until the attacker gets tired.
- If the bullying is moderate or gross, it is best to go to the educational institution to talk to the principal, a teacher or a counselor to put an end to the situation. It is important to find a quick fix.
- We should also teach our children to be respectful of everyone. This will help them deal with teasing in an appropriate way.
- When the situation is brought to our attention, we should unconditionally support them. It is important to make them feel loved and supported.
- Everything has a positive side and important lessons to learn. It is important to reflect on this aspect.
