'Sticks and stones may break my bones...'

[notnowbernard]

'But names will never hurt me'

Is this an unfashionable and out-of-date response to name-calling?

Or is it an effective strategy to teach a DC?

Was wondering what people thought

[JJsandcat]

Just tell him to ignore it. If he gives the name-callers his time of day, they'll go for it. Blanking them will at first make them increase their volume, then it'll go away. They're just out for a response.

[piscesmoon]

I tell them that it is very untrue-names hurt a lot. I do however tell them to ignore it, that the name caller is doing it for a reaction and it is best not to give them the satisfaction of getting a reaction.

[bruces]

I tell mine to ignore it and also to feel sorry for that child because people only tend to be mean when their unhappy in their own lives.

[notnowbernard]

I'm not sure what to think about it

I remember very vividly sitting on my Dad's lap and him teaching it to me (it was in the house I was born in, so must have been about 5 or 6). I was upset, but can't remember why (obviously not that traumatising! )

So I think it can be quite a useful strategy for a certain type of child. But agree with piscesmoon that it is important that dc know name-calling is hurtful... so as not to dismiss/minimise feelings but also to teach why we don't do it to others