How can we help children with bullying prevention?

As a parent, I think it is a pretty tough issue to deal with! I don't know about you, but if my children are hurting, my momma bear instinct kicks in rather quickly and I'll do anything to make sure they are safe and protected. However, that doesn't mean that I always know what to do when those situations come up. That's especially true when my emotions get in the way.

I've been provisionally certified as an Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Trainer for almost a year now, but that doesn't mean that I have all of the answers to prevention or safety. What it does mean though is that I have committed to helping communities to recognize what bullying really is and how to feel empowered to intervene in bullying situations. You'd be amazed at how those two things make all the difference in the world even if you don't have the solutions to eliminating it completely.
The elementary and middle schools in Eldorado, Illinois effectively implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program this past school year, and I had the priviledge to be involved with training their bullying prevention committee. I loved being a part of this transformation of their schools and am so impressed with the hard work the staff and students did throughout the year to start making their school grounds into safer places.

With Jim Mayer, creator of IM4Ublog.com

On May 2nd, as a celebration for all of the great work they did, we were able to invite Uncle Jim Mayer to come and perform his bullying prevention education program for students K-8 called IM4U, and they loved it! Don't know who Jim Mayer is? He's definitely worth a google search and so is his IM4U blog. I was so honored to meet a man who is using his huge celebrity status to reach the children of the US. He's personable, he's fun, he cares about kids, and he definitely has my endorsement! Not only did he perform, but he stayed around the schools the remainder of the day and the next morning just to hang around with the students and get to know them. He is truly committed to the cause!

I feel very fortunate to be able to have spent some time talking with Jim. He is a phenomenal person with a admirable goal in helping children everywhere to overcome bullying. He really empathizes with them about how it feels to be a target. He also wrote a song called "Show Me the Light" that was about a girl who took her life as a result of bullying. Here is the video that Jim posted in response to Jonah Mowery which plays the song "Show Me the Light." It's a very powerful and moving video.

Of course, Jim's blog is an excellent source of support for bullying prevention, as is the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. But, I would like to also share one of the resources that I consistently use for myself and when educating parents. It's from the Child Mind Institute called "How to Arm Your Child Against Bullying" and includes 5 tips for parents about supporting your child.

I highly recommend contacting Jim Mayer through Deb Grisham Entertainment if you are in need of a bullying prevention presentation for your school or organization. You won't be disappointed.