Standing Strong in Faith: Guiding Our Children Through the Pain of Bullying
A few days ago, a mom in my Facebook group posted about her child being bullied, asking for advice on how to help. Her post brought up so many emotions and memories because I’ve been there myself. I know how heartbreaking it is to see your child suffer at the hands of a bully and feel powerless to stop it. As Christian parents, we are called to approach every situation with grace and love, but that can feel incredibly difficult when we’re faced with protecting our children from harm.
My own journey with bullying was a painful one. My daughter was bullied relentlessly, and no matter how many meetings I had with the school or how many conversations I tried to have with teachers, principals, and even the other parents, nothing changed. She would come home crying, anxious, and withdrawn, and as her mother, it shattered my heart. For years, we struggled, and her grades began to slip as depression and anxiety took over. She went from being a happy, bright student to a C student who was barely holding on.
It got to the point where even drop-offs at school were traumatic. She would have panic attacks in the car, begging me not to leave her there. Watching her cry and struggle just to walk through the school doors was devastating. As a mom, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to endure, knowing she was in such pain and feeling like I couldn’t fix it.
I prayed for God’s guidance during those dark days, and I eventually realized that homeschooling might be the answer for us. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it turned out to be the best one I’ve ever made for her. Within months, my daughter started thriving. She went from a C student to getting A’s and B’s. Her anxiety lessened, her confidence grew, and for the first time in years, I could see true joy in her eyes again.
I know homeschooling isn’t an option for everyone, and I want to acknowledge that. But even if you can’t take that route, there are steps you can take to support your child through the difficult seasons of bullying.
Steps You Can Take
1. Communicate With the School: Start by keeping an open line of communication with the teachers and school administration. Be firm, clear, and persistent when it comes to advocating for your child. Sometimes, it takes ongoing conversations to get action.
2. Speak with Other Parents: If possible, reach out to the parents of the children involved. Have a kind but firm conversation about what’s happening. As Christians, we are called to pursue peace, but that doesn't mean staying silent in the face of injustice.
3. Seek Outside Help: Bullying can take a toll on a child’s mental and emotional well-being. Therapy or counseling may help your child process their emotions and heal from the trauma.
4. Equip Your Child with Confidence: Constantly remind your child how loved they are. Bullying can break a child’s self-esteem, and it’s our job to help them see themselves through God’s eyes. Remind them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and no one can take away their worth.
5. Pray for Wisdom and Guidance: As parents, it’s important to lean on God and seek His wisdom in how to best protect and guide our children. Pray not only for your child but also for the bully and their family. We are called to love and show grace, even in difficult situations. Trust that God sees what you’re going through and is walking with you through this storm.
6. Teach Them to Pray: Teaching our children to bring their struggles to God is one of the most powerful things we can do. Encourage them to pray for strength, for those who hurt them, and for wisdom on how to handle difficult situations. Prayer is a lifeline when it feels like there’s nowhere else to turn.
7. Teach Forgiveness, but Set Boundaries: As Christians, we are called to forgive, but forgiveness doesn’t mean accepting or tolerating harmful behavior. Teach your child that they can forgive while still setting healthy boundaries. Help them understand that they are worthy of respect and safety, and guide them in speaking up when those boundaries are crossed.
Our experience with bullying, while painful, helped both my daughter and me grow in ways we never expected. It strengthened our faith and taught us to rely on God’s grace and wisdom more than ever before. It’s heartbreaking to think of any child going through such pain, but I believe that with love, support, and faith, our kids can emerge stronger, and we as parents can guide them through it.
If your child is going through this, know that you are not alone. God sees you, and He sees your child. He is with you in every difficult moment, every tear, and every heartache. Lean into His strength and trust that He will guide you through this season.
Remember, whether it’s through homeschooling or working with your school to create a safer environment, there is hope. And above all, continue to pray for your child, the bully, and yourself, trusting that God’s plan for your family will unfold in His time.
You’ve got this, Mama, and God’s got you.
Dear Heavenly Father, I lift up every parent and child who is walking through the painful experience of bullying. Please give them strength, wisdom, and comfort as they navigate these tough waters. Help their hearts heal from any hurt and give them peace in knowing that You are with them every step of the way. Show us how to love and guide our children through these challenges, and help them see themselves through Your eyes—fearfully and wonderfully made. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
