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Mom, They're Teasing Me: Helping Your Child Solve Social Problems
by Michael Thompson, Ph.D.
Reviewed by Kim Desso-Dembélé, AFC staff, Early Childhood Prevention Coordinator
"Children suffer when they are teased or excluded or have a fight with a friend — and parents suffer empathically right along with them."
This book is a "hands-on" guide for concerned parents who want to give their children the tools they need to cope with social cruelty. Dr. Thompson ...
reviews various challenges children face in their social communities compared to what is recognized as "normal social pain". The author uses case studies to illustrate "normal social pain", "children who are at risk", and the reality of "the social world of children". The book also contains a wide variety of questions asked by parents that range in context from manipulation to sadistic behavior and tattletales to harassment. Thompson provides realistic advice for parents who have concerns about a child's social competence at home, school and in one's neighborhood.
The author explores a conflict a couple experiences about whether or not they should teach their son to "box" so that he may defend himself against bullies. Dr. Thompson addresses the feelings of each family member and stresses the importance of communication. He demonstrates the importance of considering the child's developmental needs and capabilities when helping the child to make plans to manage bullies. He addresses the potential problems and solutions to the parents' dilemma in a straightforward, easy-to-read manner.
I recommend this book to any parent who is interested in learning more about the social dynamics of a child's world. It provided an opportunity for me to reconsider my values and reflect on how I think about the behaviors I witness in my neighborhood, school and home.
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Lending Library
