>>>>>SCHOOL CLOSED
 DUE TO WEATHER
MONDAY, MARCH 2ND<<<<<
CLICK HERE FOR SCHOOL WEBSITE

     A problem with talking about teasing -- and dealing with teasing -- is that the same word is used to describe three different actions:  good-natured razzing, mean-spirited words and aggressive harassment.
     Good-natured teasing is meant to give everyone a laugh without hurting anyone.  Mean-spririted words -- name calling, put-downs, cuts -- are designed to ridicule and belittle the person being teased.
     Agressive harassment is verbally beating up someone.  Often its intent is not only to inflict pain but to control that individual and that person's peers by using him or her as an example of what could happen to them if they don't toe the line.
     How to help your child when he or she is teased at school depends on what type of teasing it is.  For this first kind, it may simply be a matter of practicing that kind of verbal horseplay.  How to give - and take - a jab that does no harm.
     When it's harassment -- when your son or daughter dreads going to school or has tummy aches just thinking about recess or P.E. -- it's time for you to step in.  Talk to the teacher or playground monitor.
     What about that middle type of teasing, the mean-spirited words?  Educators have some suggestions that have worked for other children.

Strategies for Dealing with Hurtful Teasing

     Educators say there are some skills you can help your children develop so that they're better equipped to deal with -- and deflect -- hurtful teasing.  They highly recommend role-playing so that the answers, and attitude, come easily.
     1.  Answer  "So?" or "And your point is?" no matter what's said.  Stick with it.  It really bugs a teaser!
     2.  Agree if what the teaser is saying is a fact.  How can the teaser fight with someone if he or she agrees?
          "You have big ears."
          "Yeah, I know."
          "Your hair is all frizzy."
          "Duh."
          "You have really big feet"
          "Big shoes too."
     3.  Use humor.  Say "Good one!" and laugh right along.
     4.  Ignore the teaser.  Don't slink away.  Stand tall, look at the person for a moment, say nothing, turn your hell and walk away.  The nonverbal message:  "Your silly opinion is not even worth commenting on."
    5.  Compliment the teaser.  "You're so clever.  No one can keep up with you."
    6.  Critique the tease itself.  "'Four eyes'?  You stay up all night coming up with that one?"  "'Four eyes'?  Like I've never heard that one before."

Survey Says!

    In a survey taken two years ago, students said teasing and bullying were their No. 1 problem at school.
    Fifty-five percent of children ages 8  to 11 gave it that ranking.  It was 68 percent for those 12 to 15.  Among the younger group, 74 percent said they get teased or bullied.  The older students put it at 86 percent.
    What this means is
     1.  Odds are your child is going to be teased at school.
     2.  For most students, it's the toughest day-to-day challenge they face.

On the Web:  A Long, Long List

     A site titled "Easing the Teasing" includes a survey children can take.  What's really amazing is its list of different items about which a student can be teased.  It just goes on and on!  To view it go to:  www.easingtheteasing.com/page2.html.