For kids and adults alike, it is normal to try to ignore problems with people and wish they would go away. We tell ourselves things like, “It isn’t THAT big a deal. I just want to forget about what happened.”
Unfortunately, unless you have a plan for how to handle problems like these, they are likely to happen again – or get worse.
Here’s a story from a mom who helped her daughter get prepared for possible trouble at school.
“I found out over the summer that another student had said some really unkind things to my daughter and her friend last school year and that they were going to be in the same class again.
Instead of worrying, I decided to take action.
When I asked my child why she hadn’t said anything to me about what had happened, she explained that it hadn’t bothered her that much.
I reminded my daughter of our Kidpower Protection Promise and said that, even if she hadn’t felt unhappy enough to tell us, we want to know anytime someone acts unsafely at school – and pointed out that her friend’s feelings were really hurt by what this student had said.
Then, we practiced Kidpower skills to stand up not just for ourselves, but for other people as well including how to:
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- Set a clear boundary with your voice and body by putting your hands up and saying, ‘That’s an unkind thing to say. Please stop! …That’s not true…’
- Leave with your friend. If the other student doesn’t listen, walk away calmly, confidently, and kindly.
- Talk with your teacher and parents to get help so that everyone is supported in feeling and acting safely at school.
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My child started school feeling confident that she would know what to do if this problem came up again. And I felt confident that she’d tell us if something like this happened again!”
Does your child feel worried about getting used to a new teacher or school, beginning a new sport, or going to or from school on their own?
Are YOU concerned about ensuring that your child will be in a safe, effective, and supportive place of learning? Our article 8 Ways to Get Your Child’s School Year Off to a Great Start has strategies and resources that can help.
If you would like a training with communication, personal safety, intervention, and/or advocacy skills and strategies tailored for your family and friends, your child’s school, your organization, or your workplace, take a look at the different options on our new Live Workshops and Programs page.
Published: September 1, 2026 | Last Updated: September 1, 2026