Hello Simply Nerdie Readers
It’s that time of year for school to begin, for some children, it is the end of August, for others it is after Labor Day. There is a lot of excitement with a new school year, a new schoolteacher (s), getting the sheet with a list of school supplies needed, new school clothes and shoes, the first day is most exciting! Why?Having a new teacher, meeting new classmates and for some, the first day of kindergarten. A lot to take in as a parent, that’s right especially for parents. The children have been out all summer for the most part, and now it is bittersweet to go back to school. Remember this is a two- way street and as parents we must be extra vigilant in the first few weeks of school. Why for a multitude of reasons however, from Simply Nerdieperspective, we want to make sure parents don’t let their guards down with all the excitement of a new school year. Our aim at this time of year is for parents to be extra vigilant for signs and changes in a child’s behavior. If your child was bullied the previous school year the chances, are they will be bullied this year especially if bully was not dealt with the last school year. We know bullying takes place for a multitude of reasons, none are ever excepted as an excuse or a green light to bully another child under any circumstances.
We want all children to be excited for a new school year, we encourage parents to attend all ice cream socials (many schools have these as ice breakers for the children to meet their new teachers, see their classrooms as well as meet some of their classmates). Additionally, we encourage all parents to know what antibullying interventions are in place at your child’s school, never assume they are. The national bullying hotline is: 1-800-273-8255. The first few weeks of school are very important for parents to note any changes in their child’s behavior, the excitement of going to school has nose-dived, no interest, withdrawn behavior are a few signs to be aware of. Our website has more extensive signs and symptoms to be aware of. No child should be bullied, especially not at school. Let’s get off to the school best year ever! Let me know your thoughts andshare what you are doing or have done to stop the bullying.
Shanita
SimplyNerdie