Christopher M. Milo's Blog
November 10, 2016
Understanding Bullying
In my line of work, it is important we understand the word bully. Although I think the word should be omitted from the English language, it is important that today's parents and students understand this very misused word.
After some quick research, I learned the word originated in the 15th century and meant sweetheart. That's right! At the turn of the 17th century, the word dissipated and now we know it as being in some type of eminent danger. In a leadership conference last week, I gave the example of one person walking by another person. Person A, punches person B while walking down the hall. I asked, "Is that bullying"?
50% of the people said yes and 50% said no!
The answer is NO! Person B just got popped! Now, if person B fears that person A is going to repeat the same act of aggression the next day while the two are walking down the hall, that now can become bullying.
All too often, middle school teachers will tell me how bombarded they are with phone calls from parents saying, "My 6th grade little bundle of joy got bullied at school!" If you are a parent, I encourage you to evaluate the situation with your child before making that call. I have sat in on countless meetings in guidance offices and principal offices listening to the debate between parents and students. In nearly every meeting, a quick solution was identified and both parties took something positive away. I think we make this harder than it really is. If your little bundle of joy says they are being bullied at school, a good start is to review what their definition of bullying is. This gives parents the opportunity to communicate with your children, listen to our children and speak life to our children. All too often we don't take the time to hear the words that are coming out of our children's mouths.
Remember, my wife and I have 5 children. Age 10, 13, 17, 23 and 25. I know right! In my family it goes from 5th grade math, to high school break ups, to I need rent money and will you help me understand why the sky is blue...ALL IN THE SAME DAY! We learn every day! Role play with your children. Ask them to share what they are seeing at school. They will tell you. I know this for fact because I have had about 150,000 students tell me about the good, bad and the ugly. Stay close to your kids and know who their friends are. If your child wont give you their electronic device for whatever reason....they are hiding something. This can and will get ugly real fast. I will share a piece on cyber bullying next time! Thanks for reading! Visit www.christophermilo.com
After some quick research, I learned the word originated in the 15th century and meant sweetheart. That's right! At the turn of the 17th century, the word dissipated and now we know it as being in some type of eminent danger. In a leadership conference last week, I gave the example of one person walking by another person. Person A, punches person B while walking down the hall. I asked, "Is that bullying"?
50% of the people said yes and 50% said no!
The answer is NO! Person B just got popped! Now, if person B fears that person A is going to repeat the same act of aggression the next day while the two are walking down the hall, that now can become bullying.
All too often, middle school teachers will tell me how bombarded they are with phone calls from parents saying, "My 6th grade little bundle of joy got bullied at school!" If you are a parent, I encourage you to evaluate the situation with your child before making that call. I have sat in on countless meetings in guidance offices and principal offices listening to the debate between parents and students. In nearly every meeting, a quick solution was identified and both parties took something positive away. I think we make this harder than it really is. If your little bundle of joy says they are being bullied at school, a good start is to review what their definition of bullying is. This gives parents the opportunity to communicate with your children, listen to our children and speak life to our children. All too often we don't take the time to hear the words that are coming out of our children's mouths.
Remember, my wife and I have 5 children. Age 10, 13, 17, 23 and 25. I know right! In my family it goes from 5th grade math, to high school break ups, to I need rent money and will you help me understand why the sky is blue...ALL IN THE SAME DAY! We learn every day! Role play with your children. Ask them to share what they are seeing at school. They will tell you. I know this for fact because I have had about 150,000 students tell me about the good, bad and the ugly. Stay close to your kids and know who their friends are. If your child wont give you their electronic device for whatever reason....they are hiding something. This can and will get ugly real fast. I will share a piece on cyber bullying next time! Thanks for reading! Visit www.christophermilo.com
