September Editor's Letter

My 9-year old came home from school recently and was in a sour mood. I asked her what was wrong and she replied, “I was bullied today at school.” Naturally my mama bear instincts went into overdrive, but before reacting, I asked her to explain exactly what had happened. She recounted a story of a kickball game at recess in which she was last to be picked, and someone made the comment that boys were better kickers than girls and she shouldn’t be playing. I listened and empathized with her and then explained that she hadn’t been bullied. Were her feelings hurt? Yes.  Did someone say something unkind to her? Yes. But just because her feelings were hurt and she had been the recipient of some unkind words, she had not been bullied.

This incident got me to thinking. Have we taken it too far? Have we become so fearful of our children’s being bullied that we have diluted the issue down to where kids don’t know the difference between being picked on and being bullied? There’s no doubt that bullying is real and happens on a daily basis. One of the best books I’ve read on the topic is Please Stop Laughing at Me by Jodee Blanco. It’s a powerful read of her account of being bullied as a child. And there are so many out there that are dealing with what Jodee dealt with. I couldn’t stop thinking about the issue and so asked KC Parent contributor Kim Antisdel to write an article on the topic. It’s a great piece that provides much food for thought.

On a lighter note, this issue brings you our birthday party guide. It has lots of great ideas on terrific venues to host your child’s party, plus great tips on party favors and more. Check it out!

Enjoy the start of fall in your home, KC!