Remember when you were a kid and there was that bully kid in class? Maybe you watched him be mean to other kids. Maybe he was even mean to you. Whether you know it or not, your child is probably going through that very same thing! What can you do to stop or help prevent present or future bullying? There are many ways. Through training, teamwork, and carefully designed programs, we can_—and must—find solutions. Working together, we can stop bullying. Here are some signs to look for that will let you know if your child is being bullies. If they have trouble sleeping or wetting the bed, lack of appetite, fear of going to school or visiting the school more often, and even lack of interest at social events that include other students.

There are many ways to bully proof your child. First, teach your child self-respect. Confident children are less likely to become victims.

Another way is to encourage friendships. There is always strength in numbers. Teach your child to walk down the hall, into the lunchroom, or out to recess with others because bullies target a child who is alone.

Stressing the importance of body language is an important way to bully proof your child. Bullies are attracted to slouched, intimidated appearances. Encourage your child to stand up straight and hold his or her head high.

A fourth way is to teach your child protective strategies. These six strategies are easily remembered by children with the phrase "HA HA SO." Children are encouraged to imagine an invisible shield that drops over them with the letters HA HA SO on the shield.

H - Help Get help. Find a friend or adult you can count on.

A - Assert yourself Use an "I" statement to protect yourself. Say something like, "I like being different" or "I am sorry you don't want to get to know me better before you call me that."

H - Humor. Use humor. Do or say something funny or even something just plain outrageous to throw the bully off balance. For example, if called a "chicken," start walking like a chicken and flapping your arms.

A - Avoid Stay away from bullies. If you notice a bully and can take another path across the playground, do that.

S - Self talk Give yourself a silent pep talk, reminding yourself of positive things. For example, you might think of something like, "I may not be good at track, but I'm proud of how I play the clarinet."

O - Own it If the put-down is about clothing or something you can change, just agree with the bully. If the put-down is about something you can't or don't want to change, hold your head high, own who you are with pride, and tell the other child you like being who you are.

As you can see there are many ways to Bully Proof Your Child! One of the great things we offer is the Gift of Martial Art's Discipline. We are offering you, the parent a Gift! Let me explain what the gift is: it’s the opportunity to receive a Free Martial Arts Trial Class which includes a set of EZ defense techniques that are sure to have your child leaving with increased Self Esteem, Confidence, and the ability to deal with dangerous Bully Encounters. This Free Trial Class will give you and your child a chance to experience the American Self Defense & Fitness Centers Martial Arts program and all the benefits that come with it. Don't Delay!

There are 4 reasons to accept this gift:

• Bullying problems get worse over time if not handled.
  
• Children who are bullied May have poor social skills; are socially isolated
  
• Children who are bullied Show higher levels of insecurity, anxiety, depression, loneliness, physical and mental symptoms and low self- esteem.
  
• The same children are often bullied year after year if nothing is done.