Don't bully me! A parent / child workshop - 2 hours

General information

To help parents and children understand what can be done in a realistic fashion when constantly picked on or taunted verbally or physically by a bully.
Show parents and their child a variety of simple exercises that can effectively help a bullied child assertively handle bullying situations.
Show participants through ‘Hands-on’ bullying altercations how to clearly set verbal and physical boundaries by applying the 4 confrontational concepts taught during the workshop.

Mr. Manoli sets up realistic bullying simulations that participants might encounter in the ‘real world.’
During these simulations with Mr. Manoli, participants use their body language, emotional and verbal tools in order to handle these bullying scenarios.
With Mr. Manoli’s guidance, students and parents actually learn realistic and effective solutions from each other through the examples of the bullying scenarios.

Who is the bully?
Are we born a bully or do we become one?
Why does someone bully?
Why do bystanders do nothing about the bullying?
If the bully continues to bully, what will probably happen to them as a young adult?

Who are the victims of bullying?
Who does the victim generally report bullying situations too?
Why is it, they don’t tell anyone of their bullying stress?
Victim’s feelings towards the bully, the witnesses, the teacher, etc.?
If the bullying persists, what long-term effect will it have on the victim?
After the victim tells someone (parents, teacher, etc.), do things really change?

Do classroom teachers and students have the same perception of the bullying that goes on in their classroom?
What are the school consequences towards the bully and his parents?
If bullied, what does the school suggest be done?
What mediation strategies can be implemented?

‘Tough love’ approach
Better administrate your child’s behaviour with realistic, applicable consequences.
A signed ‘Behaviour route sheet’ in order to monitor his actions during the day.
Participate in activities that bring out empathy and group cooperation.

Your child will be alone when they get bullied..
Bullying generally happens when there is little adult supervision.
At some point in time, a victimised child will have to stand up for himself.
Your child can’t always go and tell the teacher or school monitor.
If telling someone is their only defence against bullying, then their self-esteem will take a drastic beating if the bullying continues over time.
Telling the classroom teacher or playground monitor repeatedly about a bullying situation generally creates a ‘Negative Relationship’ between the victimized child and the monitor/teacher and the classroom/playground children.

When you give anti-bullying advice to your child, make sure they have the necessary character and personality to put into application what you are suggesting they do.
What worked for you when you were younger might be dangerous or ill placed advice for your child.
If you advise them to stand their ground, hit or answer back when insulted or pushed, then make sure to practice and master what you are preaching.
Work as a team. Keep in mind that your child is very stressed about all this. Make sure they know that you are behind them every step of the way, no matter the outcome.
Document the ordeal, date, time, who did what, response from the teacher, etc.

Parents must accompany and stay with their child during the entire workshop.
The child participating in the workshop must be at least 6 years old, not younger.
The workshop can be given in either French or English.

Mr. Manoli is available for private at-home consultation.
Mr. Manoli teaches an ongoing ‘Bully-proofing and Karate’ program at the Beaconsfield Recreation Centre on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. This proven, no-nonsense anti-bullying program allows parents and children to train together if they wish or parents can watch their child in action. This program has had great success with many of our students who have used and applied the bully-proofing concepts and strategies we teach in order to stop being bullied.
A ‘Don’t Bully Me!’ course is also available for children 6-11 years old. The 9-hour course is given over several weeks as a lunchtime, after school or community based activity. Mats are needed for this anti-bullying course.