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| BETTER
BEGINNINGS PENNY PATTER by: Bettie Witherspoon |
September 30, 2005
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it seems, is what every-parent wants for their children, if the response to last week’s column is an indicator. Yet, statistics show that one of seven students is a victim. Bullying has been the subject of many books, workshops, weeklong seminars, and years of research.
From what we glean, bullying can be reduced-and the effort is worth it. A |
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youthful bully is more likely to grow up to be an adult bully (i.e, criminal). The bullied child is more likely to grow up with a big hole in his self-esteem and confidence. The loss of potential for both weakens our society. Add the cost of incarceration and, clearly, efforts to “Stop bullying now!” well worth our time and attention while our children are young. |
| Yes, the adult version does exist, and can be a spouse, a boss, a co-worker, or even a neighbor. Anyone who intimidates another by word or deed can be deemed a bully. |
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Some symptoms of being bullied are fear and feelings of unworthiness. Efforts to build self-esteem, such as noticing and encouraging the positive are worthy. |
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An
interesting website (and source of much of my information) is at
http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.asp?area=main which offers games as well as answers to questions such as “What bullying is.”, “What you can do.”, “What adults can do.” , and games to play. Our faculty members are also a great resource. One of our objectives is to teach our young students that others have the same feelings as they do, and that what hurts them, hurts others. Young children really are unaware of this. |
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Adults are aware but may act as if they don’t. As an example of faculty initiative, for FunWork, Better Beginnings’ families and children are making “people puppets” that resemble their children. Calling attention positively to each child’s distinctions will show that we value their unique identity. Classrooms will be using the puppets in acting out various scenarios. Books and stories will also be used to generate discussions and to act out the effects of kindness and/or meanness. |
| Instances of kindly folk and actions are a daily occurrence at Better Beginnings. This week, we had visits from Dani Mooney, “Mr. Jonathan” Craig, Carolyn Coughlin, Roger Hummel, Leory Brostoff, Wilfred & Ondina Jeffers, Gisela Quiroz, and Ann Pagliaro. As a result, our children are now enjoying a riding toy, puzzles, movies, tapes, a car seat, roller skates, books, a monitor, a Halloween costume, a TV/VCR combo, a printer, a |
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stroller, a 25-foot parachute, poster board paper, and art supplies. Helping Hands of the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown remembered that we are still collecting pennies to help meet expenses. As much as we enjoy the donations, we appreciate even more the friendship and caring that brings them to our door. This is equally true of our Volunteers of the week: Jerry Turkel, Joan Freeman, and Andrew Loss. |
| We are itching to look through the books. We are looking for instances of people in non-traditional roles. You know, female fire fighters, etc. We seek real people, |
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photographs, books, dolls, etc. We are also looking for videos, books, photographs, artifacts, etc. from various cultures. Any help appreciated. |
| Because I lose an earring just about every time I wear a pair, I have a collection of odd earrings. I have no idea why I saved them. Penny Pincher made me do it! Now, I am glad, because co-worker Brenda Werner |
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gave us a good tip. She suggests that I use a pin-backer that can be found by the dozen in craft stores. Glue it to the lone earring, and I will have a beautiful scarf pin. |
Comments, Ideas, Suggestions?
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Bettie Witherspoon is a former executive director of Better Beginnings, which has provided affordable child care to the East Windsor/Hightstown area since 1967. |
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