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I recently saw the newly released documentary, “Bully.”

If I’m honest, I was a bit anxious to drag my 13, 12 and 10 year old to see the flick…and I was right to be anxious about it.

The movie was raw, emotional, offensive and ungodly…and that’s exactly why you should see it!  The creators of the documentary did a great job of showing the hurt and pain as well as the dark and disgusting side of bullying.

So…since we have seen the move, Team Sprad is “officially” in “kick butt and take names mode!!”

If you know any bullies, you should send their name, facebook page and address to…just kidding!

Parents, please don’t gloss over the bullying issue!!  It’s a huge threat to our kids!

So, here are a few tips to help all parents deal with the bullying problem! 

• NO MORE HIGH WATERS!!  Seriously…as I was watching “Bully,” one of the kids that was being “bullied” was sent to school every single day wearing high waters.  Come on mom and dad!!  This is basic, common sense kind of stuff.  If your kids jeans look more like daisy dukes, it’s time for a new pair of Toughskins!!?!
• GET THE WHOLE STORY!!  If you sense that your kiddos are being bullied, sit there with them until you get the whole story.  I was blown away at how little the kids being bullied told their parents.  DIG IN!  QUIZ THEM!  INTERROGATE THEM!  Find out what is really going on at school.  Their life may depend on it.
• KICK SOME BOOTIE!!  Read this POST on how my daughter confronted a bully.
• BE A TATTLE TALE!!  I love this one.  It’s really ok to be a tattle tale.  Call the school, principal, teachers, other parents…one way to stop bullying is for parents to stand up and assume the role of the local tattle tale.
• BELIEVE!!  Your kids need you to believe them!  They don’t need to laugh off, minimize or shrug your shoulders at them, this can be life or death stuff!

 Not sure if your kids are being bullied?  Here are several signs that can be indicators of bullying…

• Misses school on a regular basis
• Difficult time sleeping
• New and unexplained injuries
• Ripped clothing
• Emotional and moody (disclaimer…most Jr. High girls are emotional and moody, this is not necessarily a sign of bullying for females ages 11 to 16 years of age.)
• Feeling sick or faking illness
• Declining grades
• Cutting
• Nausea, diarrhea, cold sweats and bloating…you know, just like the commercials.

 Parents!!  Today is the day…let’s join forces and put an end to this bullying thing.

 Have your kids been the victim of bullying?  Have your kids been the bully?  Please share your story!

Chris Spradlin

Chris Spradlin writes at www.epicparent.tv. EP is a blog that offers Jesus focused, honest, authentic, on-the-edge, innovative, entrepreneurial, get-your-hands-dirty parenting advice. Chris was on staff for several years at LifeChurch.tv as a pastor and team teacher and now is a Pastor in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  (someone has to serve in the heart of the Rockies). His wife’s name is Jodie and she has made the decision to go back to school and study nursing, so Chris is officially Mr. Mom where he is learning to cook breakfast, get kids ready for school, doc appointments, homework, dishes as well as laundry. He has three kiddos – Cole, Kylie and Tifton – and he passionately believes that if parents would step into their God-given role, the world would be changed! You can connect with Chris and EpicParent on Facebook & Twitter.

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Tags: bully, bullying, Freedom to be Candid, freedom to be vulerable

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