We mock your child
“You look like Spock!”, “It’s looks like elephant Dumbo!”…
The first rule isn’t to belittle these probably inevitable mockeries, but not to overreact either. If you hear about it from your child, it means that he is affected, and therefore it’s necessary to support him and to keep a good listening ear. The simple fact that he talks to you about it and that you are responsive and sympathetic will make him feel more comfortable because he will have relieved himself of burden: that of unfairness, among other.
In fact, what could be more unjust than having to be subjected to bullying linked to your physical appearance?
Every problem has its solution
First, you can motivate your child to speak out about how they feel about the criticisms and ask them what significance they attach to them. Sometimes he does not live badly from not being like his classmates, only his prominent ears cause looks and unpleasant remarks, which over time lead him to doubt his image.
Firstly, explain to your child that he isn’t alone to be subject to mockeries, that he may be faced all his life, on this point or another, and that everybody goes through this before finally learn to preserve himself. You should find some examples of people around him who are living well in spite of mockeries so that he doesn’t have a lonely life and designs more positive future. An essential weapon that you can use to prevent him from being destroyed, is it to be determined to move forward in any event and to choose not to be indifferent to criticism.
In effect, a lot of parents frequently make the mistake of recommending that their child answers mockeries with indifference, but disregarding them isn’t an appropriate solution. This doesn’t resolve situation and it’s not always enough to put off detractors. However, you can explain him that violence isn’t nevertheless panacea either and that it can have adverse consequences.
Humor, a good alternative to verbal violence
However, advise him to use humor to defend himself, which will be much more profitable. Humor is efficient because it provides a positive self-image by downplaying and promotes the idea of self-confidence. By dealing with sarcasm calmly, your child will reinforce his self-esteem, which will then become apparent to others.
And finally, after having admitted beforehand that being different can cause pain, why don’t you talk to your child about the “right to be different” and that people can love themselves and be loved by being different?
But the most effective solution is probably to help your child find his own solution allowing him to act on his own. He will thus obtain the advantage of self-sufficiency and develop his mental strength and solidity.
