Ep. 82 - How To Deal With A Bully

In the 82nd episode of the "Empowering Choices" podcast titled "How To Deal With A Bully," hosts Joshua, Lucas, and Erik, who are licensed professional counselors, delve into the complex issues of bullying through the lens of parenting. The episode kicks off with a humorous attempt at Australian accents, referencing a TV show clip they later discuss. Erik and Lucas establish the day's focus: guiding listeners on effective methods to address bullying situations their children might face.
The hosts introduce a clip from the Australian TV show "Mr. In Between," presented by a KZbinr named Mike in Canada. This segment features a father confronting another parent about his daughter being bullied, showcasing a calm approach despite the serious nature of the accusation. Erik relates personally to the scene, recalling his childhood experiences where his parents would directly engage with other parents to address conflicts. "A parent would go to a parent's house and they would say, just what he's saying. Hey, listen, there's a problem between our kids," Erik reflects on the proactive approaches of the past.
As the discussion unfolds, Erik shares anecdotes from his own life, emphasizing the importance of parents knowing their children and the community around them. He reminisces about organizing neighborhood games and how, despite best efforts to keep kids hydrated and cool during a hot day, some ended up in the hospital. This led to confrontations with other parents, which were resolved by honest conversations and understanding the children's perspectives. "Half the kids said, no, dad, he didn't force me. I chose to go," Erik recounts, highlighting how open dialogue can clarify situations.
The conversation takes a turn as the hosts discuss modern challenges in parenting and community engagement. They point out that nowadays, parents might not know their neighbors well, complicating interactions when issues like bullying arise. The episode underscores the necessity of building community connections, understanding one's children, and maintaining open lines of communication with other parents.
In conclusion, "How To Deal With A Bully" offers a blend of personal stories, practical advice, and a call for more community-oriented parenting. Lucas sums up the discussion by emphasizing the value of understanding one's child and their social circles. "Maybe some of the answers to how to deal with bullies is, you know your kid, child's friends make relationships, make community," Lucas suggests, advocating for proactive and engaged parenting as a deterrent to bullying.