Protecting our Kids: Bullying

Jing Xuan and I were at a children playground the other day, while JX was happily playing the slides, there was a ~4 years old girl creped behind him and intentionally shouted loudly at him. JX was stunned. I was at not too far away and witnessed the whole situation, the girl seemed to be excited and enjoyed getting over her ‘target’. I brought JX to the other side of the playground and JX continued to play. Anyway, I noticed this little girl was spying at JX again, so immediately we left the playground.  When I looked back, coincidently I saw this little girl pushed her ‘new target’ off the playground’s staircase causing the poor little kid to fall down. I looked around and couldn’t see any of her guardian stepping out to stop her rough behavior.

I hate to label a 4 years old as a bully but I was really shocked to find out that bullying can starts so young. I wonder where she learnt this domineering behavior from, others around her? Or it’s just part of her personality? 

I looked at my little boy…I know as a parents, I cannot stick my head in the sand,  live in denial in the hope that bully will not happen to my child. I need to arm myself with strategies to educate my child to stand up for himself. I think, as children get older, and when there comes a situation where a peer is looking for someone to pick on, it is important that our children not be seen as “easy targets.”

Besides, from young age , we as a parents have to help our child learn to empathize, care & respect for others. Instead of blindly believing our child would never bully anyone, we have to teach them NOT to bully people. We need to address all the different forms of bullying with clear definitions.

This is a link discussing about bully, which I found it quite useful - 
The Learn to be Buddies Series

So, what you would have done if you encounter the similar experience as we did? I would like to hear your thoughts.