Or perhaps you’ve been uneasy yourself about the way your child has been interacting with another child. You know that some teasing is normal for kids, but something about this seems more than that. And then suddenly it’s clear: something is going on.
Whatever raises the red flag, your first response sets the tone for what’s to follow. And just as with a paramedic or ER team, the first moves you make and the quality of your response have a critical effect on outcomes. Your reactions can turn a disaster into an extraordinary learning opportunity for your child and all involved, or they can trigger an emotional backdraft—the explosive effect of a sudden whoosh of parental intensity on an already volatile situation. The more dicey the situation, the more critical your responses are to bring about a positive resolution. If it happens to you, the ten tips below are essential.