So what is it all about?

Sarah

Bullying in Schools

Having spoken to another parent about bullying in school today got me thinking. Why is it that parents can see all sorts of ways to get children interacting at school in a less theratening ways? I am not suggesting that parents have all the answers however, nor do schools it seems.  Having read that is is law for schools to have anti bullying policies in place today and given the press and media coverage about the subject, government documents and not to mention the information on the web.  How is it that 15% of children are still suffering long term bullying of some type or other.  I found that a search of my locals schools on line did not flush out to many links to anti bullying policies.  This was a big surprise because most young people communicate online and I would have thought that it woudl make sense to put a pupil friendly anti bullying policy on the web for them to read and know what theor school will do for them if it happens.

In the UK we have gang culture which I think is a place where young people are seeking the belonging and teamwork that they are so desperately needing today.  I can't help feeling that we can do so much more.  And why is it that people are so unwilling to make stand for justice and to speak out for what is right or more importantly what is wrong?

We don't have any answers maybe but I know a man who does.  For those parents worries about bullying for their children, you may find the following links helpful.

www.kidscape.com

Springtime for Families

Well, it's that beautiful time of year again, Springtime.  New buds popping up all over the place, new life in the fields, baby lambs skipping and hopping everywhere. 

Today, I want to encourage families everywhere to breathe in the Spring air and have a new lease of life in the family. 

Mum if you haven't relaxed with your children lately, take time off even if it's sitting in your own back garden and play with them talk with them, laugh with them.  Play a silly game that will encourage you all to laugh. Dad's have a game of football with them, challenge them at playstation, read a story together or better still invent one.  Build them a playhouse in the garden out of scrap material and a giant packing box, so what if it rains, who cares? You won't shrink!  Children, plague your parents to play WITH you, they need it too!  Life is too serious today, no wonder we have high levels of stress.  Just taking time to play with your children, really play with them can be as de-stressing for you as it is fun and exciting for them.

 I challenge you all to go out and do something together that you haven't done before.  Only one rule! It musn't be organised entertainment like the cinema or a fairgound or Circus or Alton Towers!  You have to be creative in keeping your money in your pocket and entertaining the children yourself.

In this age of technology and entertainment, it is all too easy to lose touch with your children as we 'pay' for them to be entertained by someone else.  Some of the funniest and most memorable times I have had with my son have been making cardboard swords that eventually get smashed to pieces and we laugh as we battle with two stumps of cardboard giggling hysterically as another piece drops off.