The Back-to-School Golden Rule

It’s that time of year again, the first day of school. For some kids it’s a new school, a new grade, new face, new friends…for all, it’s a new beginning. We all know the Golden Rule, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” The truth is, most people fail to apply this rule.

I’ve just returned from the National Bullying Prevention Summit in Washington D.C. and have so much to share with you. In the technology era, bullying comes in all forms; it’s not necessarily the big kid taking your lunch money anymore. It comes by way of text, email, social media, far beyond the school’s jurisdiction. This sweeping epidemic that our children are dealing with every day has a new face: cyberbullying. It’s important that teachers, parents and students are provided with the essential tools they need to stand up to this new threat.

The first day of school isn’t just a new beginning for students, but also for principals, teachers and parents. Every day, each of us has the chance to turn a sometimes-scary place into a safe and comfortable learning environment for our children.

It’s amazing how much you can learn by simply opening your eyes to what is going on around you. Keeping an open relationship with our children means we have to be ready to accept the reality of who they are and what they’re feeling. Really, I mean try accepting their point of view.

Communication is an ongoing process, rather than a one-time conversation. If you want your kids to talk to you, be ready to listen. This is probably the most important skill a parent can have at their disposal. We can strive to teach our children from right and wrong, and in return we can also learn by observing and listening.

Talk openly with your child about healthy relationships. Everyone is always going to be faced with both good and bad relationships; always take the good with the bad. Good relationships are doors to endless opportunity if they’re used properly. Bad relationships don’t have to be all bad; they might provide more obstacles, but sometimes an alternate course is needed to see things in a different light. Be prepared and ready to sit down and talk with your children about the good and bad relationships that they’re facing on a daily basis.

Here are some great back to school survival tips for your kids:

1. Smile!  A simple smile can go a long way; it can change someone from having a bad day into a good one.

2. Keep your opinions to yourself! After all, they’re YOURS for a reason.

3. We all make mistakes! You will always learn from your mistakes, take your newfound knowledge and use it in a positive manner.

And let’s not forget when talking to our children to speak with L.O.V.E:

L – Listen. Talking with your children doesn’t always mean you have to be the only one talking.

O – Open. Let your children know that no topic is ever off limits.

V – Voice. It’s important to have a voice on both ends.

E – Enjoy, let your talk time be a happy time, and always remember that before you know it, they will be off to college or pursuing their dreams.

Join me this Tuesday, August 28, from 8-9 p.m. EST, for a live chat on Facebook. We’ll be covering cyber safety, standing up to bullying, educating our schools and students, and more! You have a question? I have the answers! I look forward to connecting! 

Join the largest health conversation in 140 characters or less! Tweet what you want to talk about to @SharecareNow and let’s start chatting!

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