how to teach a 31 months old child to stand up to bullies

[eastendgirl]

I started telling my ds to say "don't do that" and "leave me in peace" to my ds when he gets pushed, hit or when somebody snatch a toy from him. Have you been successfull doing this? Until now my ds just stands and looks perplexed when somebody bullies him, though he does say "leave me" and "don't do that" when he is not happy with one of my requests. So were you successfull doing this?

[hana]

think that is still young to stand up for himself, although telling him those phrases is a good idea, gives him the message.
I don't think calling the children who are snatching things or hitting him are bullies however - not at this age

[LIZS]

Agree there is a difference between poor sharing and physically impulsive behaviour and actual bullying. Your son may come off worse at times but I'm not sure he and his peers are yet mature enough to express that verbally. Even if he can take on board what you are telling him the others may not.

[rummum]

I got my children to shout NO at the child doing the hitting or snatching...

[eastendgirl]

anyone else?

[Piffle]

dd is 3.5 and is regualry clonked over the head with books and toys. I have taught her to shout NO and the name of the child doing it and if necessary push them away firmly
I do this as my ds who is now 12 was taught to walk away and tell a teacher and so far a broken arm and a broken nose plus several street assaults, leave me firmly of the opinion one needs to stick up for oneselve.
31 mths is young though - shouting no is a good one though...

[eastendgirl]

bloody hell, very sorry about piffle's ds - i didnt' think 2 and a half was early to shout back, will see what happens.

[Elibean]

DD is 2.3 and is just starting to shout 'no' and 'stop it' if pushed or pulled at. But only just - more likely to start crying and look for a grown up to come and rescue her, which I think is pretty normal at this age. She does have a slightly older friend who is great at shouting 'stop, go away, I don't like that' and its very effective!

Piffle, ouch....that must have been so scary for all of you. Bs.