Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

04-12-2022

Teach Empathy to Eliminate Name-Calling

"Nerd." "Sissy." "Chicken." "Geek." Kids have called each other names for centuries. They put someone down in front of a crowd to look cool to onlookers, to feel better about themselves, or for reasons known only to themselves.

Whatever the reason, name-calling is wrong. And it's also wrong to dismiss name-calling as just another part of growing up. These actions are linked to much harsher schoolyard cruelties. Persistent name-calling and name-calling with an intent to hurt or isolate are forms of bullying. In order for kids to be safe at home and at school, it's important to limit this aggressive behavior.

To promote civility and encourage your child to do the right thing:

Be a good role model. Don't call people names. Say you disapprove when you hear someone putting another person down.
Don't accept "I was just joking" as an excuse. It's never a joke when someone is made to feel rejected or ridiculed.
Voice your disapproval and disappointment if your child has taunted someone. Have your child apologize to the victim and perhaps to others who may have been affected.
Express your concern if your child has been taunted. Discuss reasons why kids do this, and suggest ways of coping, such as telling a trusted adult at school.
Explain that name-calling hurts everyone. Doing it—or tolerating it—undercuts our integrity and humanity.
Foster empathy. Always encourage your child to think how it might feel to be in another person's shoes.

Brought to you by:

Webster County Schools

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