Expert Contributor by Lou Marvil Level Up Black Belt Academy
Confidence is Key to Bully-Proofing Your Child
National statistics show that 1 in 5 children are bullied. Now more than ever, it is imperative that parents learn how to best educate and protect their children from the physical and psychological effects of becoming a bullying victim. While schools have established rules to prevent its occurrence, they often fail to protect children from the incidents occurring, and they will issue consequences only if the perpetrator is caught. Though lacking in character, bullies are not stupid; they will only torment when the coast is clear and no authority figures are visible. This leaves their victims with the job of reporting the incident. Without proof, the bully often escapes punishment, or a more unfair outcome, the victim is punished for protecting themselves from the bully’s attack. Bullies aren’t looking for a fight, but to dominate and control someone they deem weaker. Prevention begins and ends with confidence. Enrollment in a solid martial arts program will allow your child to gain the necessary skills to protect themselves and attain the character education to apply their training constructively and defensively. Children who are empowered with a firm sense of self-confidence through active training will be able to effectively handle a bully by looking them in the eye and telling them to Back Off. Confidence is developed by establishing self-worth; words can only hurt them if they permit them to. If a child is called names they can choose to ignore it and walk away, or engage with a witty comeback like, “thank you for noticing!” or “yeah I’ve been working hard on that.” What they can’t do is let it hurt them.
Marvil has been working “Master with our daughter for a year. Her confidence level and physical fitness have improved exponentially since she started. ~Daniel Devenney
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Kids are mean. Accepting this ahead of time will prepare your child to deal with a situation when it arises, not if it arises. If bullying escalates to physicality, children who train will have the ability to defend themselves so that they are not a constant target. Children must also have approval from parents to stand up for themselves rather than accept abuse for fear of getting into trouble. Do not allow your child to be a victim. Empower them with confidence to defend themselves. Once bullies know your child is willing and able to stand up for themselves the bully will leave them alone, and your child will be happier and more successful throughout the rest of their school day. NS
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Lou Marvil Grand Master
CHANGING AMERICA ONE BLACK BELT AT A TIME
www.L eveL U pB Lack B eLtacademy.com
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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
February 2019
