I have recently done a bit of research on preschool bullying. A few years ago when I first began looking into it, I found little to support this idea. However, now the preschool years are considered to be a place where the first warning signs may be seen.

I’ve noticed that one of the more popular posts here is about bullying between siblings.  The list of comments continues to grow.  I see stories of exasperated parents, frustrated and hurt siblings (of all ages), concerned relatives, current problems, past problems, etc.  Some have passed on insight while others are looking for answers.

Today I wanted to add to that sharing experience with a few extra tips.  I found an article on this website, Public Safety Canada, with some good suggestions for many people involved in a bullying situation.  When you click through, I hope you find what applies best to your situation.  It’s one long list, so keep scrolling through the entire page.

Here it is again – Public Safety Canada – First Steps to Stop Bullying

Keep in mind that bullying has these four elements (quoted from the site):

It might just be a look. A kick. A “bump” in the hallway. Snickering around the corner. Bullying is often a pretty subtle game, but the consequences can be enormous.

School finally started for us here and we’re still working on some transitions. Just checking in with you to see how you and your family members are adjusting to everything.

‘Tis the season for school transitions, and I’m running into a lot of clutter in my house. Clutter in the closets, clutter in the dressers, clutter in the garage, clutter in the storage room, even the laundry room and the pantry. Projects-in-progress, off-season clothes, clothes that don’t fit, the leftovers from the county fair – and I can easily imagine what it will be like when the constant influx of school papers starts soon.

Hello everyone! Today you’re getting a double scoop of parenting advice articles. I found it a little amusing that these articles both came to my attention in the same week.

Wow – lots of things to get to this week in the world of mental health. For today, I want to react to an upcoming episode of iCarly that I saw advertised.

Yeah, I know.  That headline makes it sound too easy.  I’m not implying that within this post lies the magic secret to perfect peace with your children.  Conflict is normal and not every conflictual conversation is an argument.  I’m keeping this really simple not because it’s easy to do, but because it is difficult.  Emotions can run strong when you and your child start to argue.  It’s so easy to get sucked in, so I want you to have a simple concept to keep you focused.

Here’s an example of a typical argument-starter you might encounter:

“Jeff, it’s time to get ready for bed.”

“What? That isn’t fair!  Why did she get to stay up so late?”

Greetings, readers. I hope you are surviving the heatwave this week.

I owe one of my readers a post today. Tom asked several weeks ago about more resources on sibling only in. He commented on my bullying between siblings post and wanted more information.

School has been out a while. Memorial Day has come and gone. The 4th of July is over. Many kids (including mine) still have several weeks before school is in session again. Plus, it’s just hot, hot, hot outside – that seems to sap our energy sometimes. We’re having a case of the summer doldrums.