How do you help children who are being bullied at Pre-school?

Question

I have a friend who's little girl cries everyday and doesn't want to go to pre-school (their 4 yrs old!) because the other little girls are so mean to her! She is a really lovely, caring, friendly, happy little child otherwise and is a surprising victim of such nastiness. Her mother is a work friend of mine and I see her coming to work each day so distressed and worried (to the point of tears sometimes). One day recently she even asked me for advice to which I did not know how to reply. I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions! Thank you.

Answer 1

That's awful. The cattiness starts early. Poor kid. I agree with what some of the other posters have said already-- talk to her teacher, absolutely. She should be made aware of the situation so she can separate her from the bulliers and/or scold them if their behavior continues. If the teacher is not responsive, it wouldn't be uncalled for to see if she can switch classes at the school, or transfer to another. Some kids need some extra TLC-- it's totally normal. But this is an important time in this little girl's life, and you don't want her to start kindergarten with low self-esteem and no assertiveness. Your friend should also talk to her about how to "stand her ground"-- walk away, make new friends...it depends on the specific situation at hand. She needs to know she doesn't DESERVE to be treated this way, and she doesn't have to take it.

Answer 2

It's really hard because all kids are different. She is probably being bullied because she is nice and other children are seeing her as a pushover. Perhaps it would be in her best interest to be transferred to a new school.
Some kids also seem like they are being bullied, but the parents don't realize that they are also bullying others and bringing it upon themselves, I am going through this with a little girl at my daycare, of course, I have become the target by many answerers, but it's not anything I've done or haven't done. Children are little people who have yet to be held responsible for many of their actions. If they don't like someone, they have no problem showing it and don't always have a reason.

Answer 3

In my state 4 years olds can attend preschool but only if the parents elect to send them. If it is possible take her out or she will be emotionally scared and will resent being sent to school and she will have a negative belief toward school. Talk to the teacher and let her or him know what is going on and talk to adminstration so they also know. If this does not change go and contact the super for that school district; the teacher might not be worth having there as a preschool teacher. And if this still does nothing tell your friend to go and sit there withthe child.

Answer 4

Tell her to first talk to the teacher about it, than if that does not work, she has to talk to the parent. This happened to me with my kid. I was so upset because she doesn't get hit like that at home so why would I have some 4 year old hitting her. Also if that don't work she either has to fight back or get out of that class fast, because, the kid has to think school is fun, not some kind of punishment.

Answer 5

I would tell her to set up a meeting with the director, teachers and other parents. Tell her to also ask the teachers why they allow this to continue. Is she SURE that the other girls are bullying her, or is she just super-sensitive?

Answer 6

Pull the child out of pre-school.

Answer 7

My daughter was unhappy in a daycare and once I moved her out she's been happy ever since. There may be more going on. Tell your friend to put her somewhere else.

Answer 8

rent soem Martial Arts "hand to hand combat" videos and teach her how to beat the living crap out of those nasty little girls ...... that is the ONLY way to deal with a Bully ......

Answer 9

1ST I WOULD REPORT IT TO THE DAYCARE AND THEN I WOULD LOOK 4 ANOTHER DAY CARE I WOULD WORRY ABOUT WHERE IS THE WORKERS WHEN THIS IS GOING ON SHE SHOULD NT LEAVE HER DAUGHTER IN THIS SITUATION I WOULD ALSO CALL PROTECTIVE SERVICES THEY SHOULD BE KEEPING A BETTER EYE ON THESE KIDS

Answer 10

GO TO THE TEACHER, AND THE PARENTS AND EXPLAIN THE SITUATION. I AM SURE THE PARENTS AREN'T AWARE OF THEIR CHILDREN' BEHAVIOR. IF THIS DOESN'T WORK SHE CAN ALWAYS GO TO THE SCHOOL BOARD.