Teasing Tutorial 101

It happened again: Your daughter runs into the house in tears because kids were teasing her. Is there anything you can do to help?

Many school-age children are very sensitive to peer comments. Unfortunately, because of this, many children take teasing and bullying to heart, which can be damaging to their self-esteem.

“The best thing parents can do is to identify their children’s strengths and areas of competence and create an environment where they feel self-assured and confident about themselves,” said Mary Cook, MD, psychiatrist on staff at the Behavioral Health Clinic at The Children’s Hospital. “The more confidence your children have, the less likely they are to get bullied or teased.”

Act Tough

Kids who show their emotions and outwardly react to teasing, including crying spells or fits of anger, are more likely to be targeted, so it’s important for parents to help their children behave in ways that won’t make it fun for the teaser. Teach your child to disengage and react like a robot, or have your child “go along” with the teasing.

“While friendly teasing that doesn’t hurt anyone is a normal part of childhood, it’s important for children to feel safe and free from bullies when at school,” Dr. Cook said. “Any time the teasing becomes brutal or the teaser is relentless with the harassment of your child, it’s time for adults to get involved.”