What to tell your kids when they are bullied!

My nephew was recently picked on and called names that hurt his feelings and he cried. He is 8 years old. His mom posts reads: Breaks my heart when kids pick on my son. He is such a sensitive boy and words do hurt. Bless his heart, he told me (with big crocodile tears in his eyes), “Mommy, why do kids pick on me? I just don’t understand?” “ Lord, please help me to know what to say in moments like that.”

One person commented with sad and mad emojis. Then I commented: Say because they are jealous of all the wonderful gifts God gave you. Words do hurt, but know that God made you special! You are like no one else. Forgive them the way God forgives us. Ask God to protect your feelings and comfort you heart when this happens. Your dad and I love you very much and we are always here to listen.

What you must know is that these are God’s words. They come from me knowing him personally. I never said this to my kids. I just hugged them, told them to ignore what is being said and get over it. I wish I would have told my little kids this. I wish I was a teacher when they were small and had a relationship with God then. I would’ve told them this, in this loving way. But I can’t go back to that time; I can only learn and move forward. I can only tell you what to say and how I am able to say what He wants his little children to hear.

We protect by what we say and do. Let them hear your protection over their lives. Let them see how much you love them. Help them to know what to do in all situations. Answer their questions as they arise, keeping their age in mind. Hug them, praise them, tell them you love them, play with them, pray for them and with them, keep them close for as long as you can. This teaches them to be independent, loving, caring, respectful, generous parents when they grow up.

You can always make it right with them. It’s never too late! They are never too old and never too far away. Do it today!

Psalm 91:14-16 NIV

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledged my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”