Why should we "ease the tease?"
Does your child not want to go to school because someone is making fun of him during class or during recess? Does your child complain that someone in the neighborhood is hurting her feelings? Does the name calling on the bus cause stress for your child? Unfortunately, teasing occurs everywhere, and cannot be prevented. Most young children become upset automatically if they are called a name or ridiculed in any way. Parents cannot always protect children from these hurtful situations, however, they can teach their children strategies to help them deal with teasing or "ease the tease." These strategies empower children and reduce feelings of helplessness that so many children experience. When young children realize that there are effective ways they can use in teasing situation, their coping skills are strengthened.
Effective Strategies for Young Children:
Self-Talk Ignore I-Message Visualization Reframing Agree So? Compliment Humor Ask for Help