AboutCathy Bailey Expertise I can answer questions on dealing with the difficult behavior of babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school children and teenagers.
I can also help with issues such as bed wetting, head lice, thumb sucking and other childhood concerns.
I can offer advice on children and homework, communicating with your child’s teacher and coping with bullying, amongst other school issues.
If there is a parenting issue I can’t answer, I am honest about it, and try my best to refer the questioner to somewhere where they can find an answer.
I am the author of www.parents-in-a-pickle.com a website dedicated to helping parents deal with challenging and difficult behavior.
Experience I am a mother of two boys, aged 13 and 7. My husband and I have fostered various children and we have adopted one (the 7 year old).
I have been a teacher since 1991, both in secondary schools, and now in a primary school.
I have run various language clubs in nurseries, teaching French and Spanish through games, songs and other fun activities.
Education/Credentials I have a BA Honors Degree from London University in French and Spanish, and a P.G.C.E. (teaching qualification) from Cambridge University.
Expert: Cathy Bailey Date: 6/11/2008 Subject: First Grade Girl Bully
Question My daughter is in first grade in Australia is a small semi-private Catholic school. She has a girl bully (who is young and cute) in her class who decided last year that she didn't like my daughter (maybe she's jealous or insecure). She belittles my daughter and won't let any of the other girls play with her. There is nothing wrong/different about my daughter except that she's tomboyish and not Australian (she's French and American). I've spoken to the teacher twice and the teacher has spoken to the girl's parents, but the bullying continues.
My daughter is extremely strong and athletic and is involved in indoor rock climbing and gymnastics which gives her confidence. Our home life is happy. I've encouraged her to play with the boys at school, but deep down the situation makes her sad.
I have a meeting in 2 weeks with the principal, her teacher and a Catholic Education representative.
What can I expect the school to do about this situation? Can mean girl bullies change? What can the teacher do to help my daughter?
I'm trying my best to make sure that my daughter knows that she's loved and I'm trying to encourage friendships outside of school - but any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Answer Hi Ann
You are absolutely doing the right thing. Your daughter will meet other children like this in the future so it is a good idea to let her learn how best to deal with it now while you are still in control.
It is hard for teachers to resolve this, but they must try. They should try to ensure that the girls are separate and that your daughter is with people she likes as often as possible.
You are quite right to give her lots of reassurance and to make sure she has plenty of good friends so that she doesn't lose confidence.
You can also use role play in a fun way to teach her strategies for dealing with people like this girl. Take it in turns to be the bully or your daughter. You can work through the problems and options together.
