Bully Busting & Managing Meanies: Tips for Kids on Managing Conflict

Bully Busting & Managing Meanies is the 4th in the series of workbooks authored by social-emotional learning experts, Donna Shea and Nadine Briggs. The co-authors of the How to Make and Keep Friends book series have more than 30 years of combined experience in social coaching children. Donna and Nadine's books teach children to use their simple, actionable, and proven strategies for increased social success.

Bullying is a serious and complex problem and touches the lives of nearly all children, some as victims of bullying, some as the bullies, and some as the bystanders who do not know how to help. Bullying is difficult to prevent, and children need support in learning how to protect  themselves when mean or bullying situations arise. The workbook offers ways for children to become more bully-proof

Using our easy-to-read and interactive guide, kids will learn:

• The distinct differences between bullying and conflict;
• How reactions and responses to conflict and meanness matter;
• Steps on how to build self-confidence and defend themselves;
• How and when to ask for help from an adult;
• What to do if they see other kids being mean to someone; and,
• Our tips on how to get along and make recess more fun.

The full-color, beautifully illustrated workbook also includes questions, quizzes, and scenarios for discussion and practice.

I read this with my 10 year old daughter who was having some issues with kids at school. The thing I liked most was that from the beginning it discusses the difference between bullies and meanies. The anti-bullying program at my daughters school has her believing that anyone who is mean to you is a bully and should be reported as such. This book talks about the different ways kids are mean to one another and different responses for different situations (when/how to stand up for yourself, and when to seek help). I believe this would also be good if it was your kid being the bully or the mean one. It is done with large font and lots of illustrations, something that was very helpful to my kid who dislikes anything with lots of text on the page and few pictures. The book was left out and my almost 13 year old picked it up and read through it as well. He liked the different response approaches given in the book even if it was a bit below his reading level. Overall very helpful and a great way to start a conversation with your kids about bullying!