Author: Jollineau, Jill (ED08)

Recommended Resources to Begin the Conversation

Books

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Happiness for Kids, by Carol McCloud
Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness: Three Rules for a Happier Life, by Carol McCloud
My Secret Bully, I Was Just Kidding, and Trouble Talk, by Trudy Ludwig
Howard B. Wiggelbottom Learns about Bullies, by Howard Binkow
The Crayon Box that Talked, by Shane Derolf and Michael Letzig
Finklehopper Frog, by Irene Liningston and Brian Lies
I Like Myself, by Karen Beaumont
Please Stop Laughing at Me, by Jodee Bianco
Family Video
American Girl: “Chrissa Stands Strong”

Families, Schools and the Community working together for a safe, secure and thriving school environment.

Jill Jollineau
Learning Specialist for Elementary & Enrichment
School District 8
Phone: 506.658.5319
E-mail: jill.jollineau@gnb.ca
Web: district8.nbed.nb.ca

Lori Lofstrom
Learning Specialist for Guidance
School District 8
Phone: 506.643.2895
E-mail: lori.lofstrom@gnb.ca
Web: district8.nbed.nb.ca

Bullying or Conflict?

Does Your Child Need Help With Bullying or Conflict?
The first thing we can do is educate our children about the difference between bullying and conflict. Bullying is chronic and happens almost every day. Conflict is a problem that happens less often and once addressed, stops. Let’s take name calling for example; if your child is being called a name they should be encouraged to address the name caller and firmly ask them to stop. “I do not like it when you call me ______, please stop.” Your child should then be encouraged to ignore the behavior and/or to choose not to play with that person.
If they try to stop it on their own and the behavior continues, it is becoming bullying and then they should ask for help from a teacher, counselor or principal.
Parents are the best role model for their child and can encourage them to tell when they need help. We as a community can help if we know it is happening. Children are often scared to tell because they think it will get worse.

Usually the child making the threats is afraid of the consequences of being ‘found out’ because they know what they are doing is wrong. If your child is anxious or afraid to come to school, or is sick with stress, a solution must be found and this only comes through awareness– inform the teacher, the counselor or the principal.
Parents are wonderful resources for their children. You can help them develop a positive, realistic self-esteem that can deal with the name calling or ridiculing behavior of an unkind schoolmate or playground acquaintance. This will allow your child to brush off, not respond, or peacefully confront the offending behavior if necessary, all the while knowing that what is being said, is not true.
We are helping them develop resiliency skills.
What are resiliency skills?
Standing up for yourself and being proud of it.
Not believing negative things that other people say.
Ignoring or not playing with offenders.
Use of humour.
Good manners.
These skills can sometimes stop conflict from becoming bullying. By working together we can help our children be better equipped to handle the many challenging situations life may bring.
Programs offered at District 8 Schools to proactively work toward conflict resolution and to prevent bullying:
Tribes
Be Cool Series
Peer Helpers
Red Cross Anti Bullying
No Bullying Program
The Bully and the Purple Pants
WITS
Bucket Filler
No Blame Bullying
LEADS
Super Flex Program
Guidance Program of Monthly Themes
Pink Day
Focus on Bullying
Kindness is Contagious
K-2 Kelso’s Choices
3-8 AntiBullying Strategies