How to get my parents to stand up for me against bullies instead of apologizing to avoid any confrontation?
81 Answers
Last Updated: 10/07/2021 at 8:06am
Moderated by
Evelyn Coker, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
I am down to earth and enjoy working with all clients. I have a special passion to support teen girls and women. My work is nonjudgmental and provides a safe space to grow.
Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
September 9th, 2020 4:38am
Your parents need to understand that your feelings are important. They should set the example of how to properly confront a situation rather than shy away from it. You know your parents best, so you have to show them that you need their help, that your feelings are genuine and valid. You expect them as your parents to guide you through life. You deserve to have someone to lean on when people become negative. By them apologizing, your parents would be dismissing the situation, and therefore your feelings. Calmly explain your feelings to them, show them what you expect them to do. Remember, you are not alone, you have the entire 7 cups community to back you up. As an only child, I know what it's like having to rely on parents who aren't very confrontational. They don't like to meet other parents or go to social events. Once I talked to them and told them that I can support them the way I want them to support me, we've been able to go to more events (of course, prior to covid). Proper communication is key. You got this, stay strong!
Anonymous
August 30th, 2020 7:49pm
It's always good to be honest with people as much as you can. Telling people how you feel is one of the best ways to make sure people understand. I know it can be hard, it's not easy to open up, but if you really want people to understand your situation and help you you should try talking to them. I understand the urge to just avoid conflict, even if it's harmful for you. However, self-care is very important. Try to explain to your parents what you're going through and how it makes you feel. Hopefully they'll understand and help you get through this hard time. You are loved and you are enough. Good luck!
"Getting" your parents to do something is really complicated. Parents may not always be there for you. They are their own people too, however much they may put that off. It's important to remember there are other adults and resources to find help, such as school administration and counsellors. Bullies usually are having a really hard time in their own lives, and bullying is a result of that insecurity and suffering. They could also use help. An anonymous tip to the counsellors that they may be in need of some assistance could go a long way. One of the best things about bullies, is they teach us to stand up for ourselves, especially because parents won't always be around to save you and fix the problems for you.
Anonymous
August 5th, 2020 12:38pm
when experiencing a bullying act it is important to get help and stop it immediately. when telling your parents, make sure they are fully aware on you're situation. lock eyes and tell them everything that has happened so they know what they are dealing with when in process of stopping this situation. when talking with your parents ask if they understand what you are saying and to repeat back what happened, this is to clarify any walls that would cause future problems for them when dealing with this. dont be afraid to come out to someone when you are experiencing a bullying situation
Anonymous
August 2nd, 2020 4:40am
I believe conversation is the key. Maybe that is how your parents feel is the way to deal with it. Have a proper conversation with them. Let them know all your feelings, how their behaviour affects you, etc. Make sure they understand well. No matter what, they are your parents and will be there for you no matter what. Tell them their method of dealing is wrong. I am sure they will improve and try to help you further. And with the bullies, believe me, they are idiots who are insecure about themselves and project it on others. Be strong enough to let them shrug off. Shine brighter, make them fear your shine. Take care!
How to get your parents to change will never be an easy thing or even something that I would suggest to try.. you may want to ask them he wanted to know why they choose to avoid confrontation and be sure to know that everybody is the weight they are and the only person that in your family that you can change will be your own self. If they understand how you feel and want to change that's another be that a decision that they make on their own not one for you too get them to make because it will be very hard to change your mom or your dad as they are set in their ways and you should respect the fact that people are different even if the difference is annoying to you. We cannot choose who you are blood related to and they can only change what they want to and we should respect that as you change you and only you have that right. It would be a good idea to talk to them with the idea they are who you are and not expecting much of it for if they understand and want to then at least you tried and I wouldn't count on getting mad if they decide not to change but at least you can try to talk to them and tell them how you feel.
Your parents are people, too. People with flaws and fears and insecurities. Although in a perfect world, parents would put their children first at all times, sometimes other things get in the way of them making the right choice. It could be that your parents were raised to avoid confrontation. It could be that it's socially unacceptable in their culture or family background. Our parents should be our biggest advocates, but when they are not, you may have to look for support in other places, like the school counselor, friends, teachers, coaches, religious or spiritual leaders, other family members, or other trusted adults in your life.
You need to explain to your parents what you are really going through. I’m sure if you have a sit down heart to heart talk with them and really really really tell them what’s going on and how much are being heard and how much at risk you are at the dairy will help you. Sometimes parents just think that the children are being dramatic because we often are and they don’t want to stir up trouble if there is none. But when you truly pull your heart out to them and show them what you’re going through and what’s actually happening they will stand up for you.
Often, open and honest conversations are a good way to express feelings and ask for support. If it proves to be difficult to have that with your parents, I experienced creating a "structured" environment to be helpful to not get caught up in emotions too quickly. What I mean by structure is that you announce that you want to talk to them. Either they have enough time right away or you make some kind of appointment, but to my mind, it is helpful when you are all doing nothing else at the moment except having this conversation. Moreover, it might be useful to lay down some ground rules such as "I am going to explain to you what I want and why I want it and I am going to express how I feel about it and why it is important to me. Please do not interrupt me while I am speaking. When I am finished you can tell me how you feel about what I said and I ask you to be open with me. It is important to me that nobody is judged or hurt in this conversation." or something similar. Essentially, expressing exactly what you want, need, expect and how you feel and explicitly ask others to listen can help an honest conversation. This may sound very formal, but for me, it has been helpful when asking for support and talking about topics that hurt me. A reason for parents to avoid conflict may also be that they do not know how to step up or act. Maybe it is helpful to find ways in which they can support you, together. I really hope this was helpful in some way. Wish you all the best!
Dealing with bullies is a horrible experience. I've definitely been there! In fact I admit, I've been in all 3 roles, Bully, bullied and guardian of a bullied kid. And its awful to feel like your own parents don't have your back. From their perspective it can be a difficult situation for parents when it comes to this as they simply don't know the whole situation, and acting can potentially have serious consequences for you, and indeed your whole family. Here's the best advice I can offer from my experiences. Talk with your parents, let them know what's going on and how you are feeling as calmly and and honestly as you can, and ask for their support in dealing with this issue. As for dealing with the Bully directly without apologizing and giving up a part of your pride and soul, (That's what it felt like toe) seek to empower yourself! Bullies are regretfully a part of life, and mum and dad will not be there to protect you very often. So when you get your parents support, see if they cant help you get into a martial art, particularly Brazillian Jui-Jitsu. No this isnt so you go slogging any bully you come across, its to give you life-long confidence and control, develop your character and ability to deal with adversity! And yes, in the worst case, if things get physical, protect yourself in the safest way possible for you and your bully. By growing strong and capable not only do bullies avoid us, but we can exude the confidence and control to use empathy for our enemies! After all, most bullies usually have their own suffering going on, and they mistakenly take it out on others because they have no coping mechanisms. You could even gain the power to turn your bully into your friend, and change their life and your own!
Ask them to and express your concerns to them. However, you state that your parents apologize to avoid confrontation, and you are wanting your parents to fend off bullies for you ie. avoiding confrontation. If you can't rely on those around you then you must rely on yourself and find your own way to overcome your situation, whether that is by talking to other people with authority or confronting the bullies yourself.
Unless these bullies are physically harming you or doing something to ruin your reputation (rumours etc) then their impact is only what you decide it to be. Bullies are just bored, insecure, immature people. They act that way because they lack the knowledge to be any different.
you can try and tell or even show them that that is not working and it won't stop the bullies , it even might boost the bullies and that would make your parents helping the bullies .
Anonymous
November 10th, 2016 1:07pm
Maybe you can let them know what's been happening with you and ask them to observe it and then ask them what action they'd want to take or how they'd want you to respond to bullying. Though usually bullying is based on the victim's reaction and not response, so once you can figure which action of yours is a response and which is a reaction, you n your parents can help diffuse the situation! hope it helped! :)
Tell them how much you are in distress and maybe you should also try standing up for yourself too. Your parents are there for you, hopefully they’ll understand.
You can talk to friends and family for support, surround yourself with positive thoughts and people and remember you don't deserve to be bullied. If you're in school reaching out for an authority is great as they can help you and keep you safe. You're wonderful!
Normally, I wouldn't recommend letting your parents stand up for you, but asking your parents to meet the bully's parents isn't a bad idea. They can have a discussion about what's going on in school, and the bullying might stop.
Tell your parents what's going on. Sit them down and have a mature convsation. Tell them you're being bullied to the point where it's unbearable
Confrontations are not good. If people is bullying you, you should try to tell them to stop. If they don't, then you can talk to someone at school and look for some help.
Anonymous
September 1st, 2016 9:09am
Tell them everything you can about bullying and how it affect people so they can help spread the word of bullying can harm a kids life at school and it should be stopped
First able, you should have a personal moment with them and explain how you feel, violence just gets more violence, violence is never the solution but I believe in justice too, you should tell them that you want justice
Anonymous
October 30th, 2016 10:24am
Explain to them how much it really hurts you what they are doing and how desperate you are for a change. Maybe if they know all your emotions and feelings they will take your issue seriously and will do everything in their power to help you.
Your parents love you. If you tell them how it affects you or simply that you are being bullied they will certainly stand up for you
Tell them exactly your side of the story, do not change anything, and explain how this is really hurting you.
Explain to them how you fell and show them one video from youtube about bullying it may help them understand more and help alot more then usual
You have to tell it to your parents so that they will able to stand up for you against the bullies..
Anonymous
August 12th, 2016 2:26am
Show them you are emotional or set an example, stand up for bullying and show them the way and they shall follow.
If you know the bully's parents name you could tell it to your parents (they can call them, Message them, or simply meet up to discuss whats going on between there children)
Anonymous
August 5th, 2016 2:58am
I think you should have a sit down explain how these bullies are making you feel and what you think their confrontation would do to stop them.
Anonymous
July 31st, 2016 7:50pm
So, you're feeling like your parents don't stand up for you instead they avoid confrontation at all costs. Starting a discussion letting them know how you feel may help.
I think it's very sad your parents aren't standing up for you. Parents are supposed to protect children from bullies. Perhaps tell them how you feel, that you feel a bit betrayed and unprotected when they won't stand up for you.
However, you have not specified who is bullying you and what kind of bullying it is. Is it possible that the bullies will be dangerous if your parents confront them, and that this may make it even more unsafe for you?
I think the best thing to do would be to find an online Forum or group for bullying victims. Also, perhaps you could talk to somebody at your school, like a teacher or psychologist, who might understand your situation. If the first person you talk to doesn't get it or is a jerk, just keep telling people.
Related Questions: How to get my parents to stand up for me against bullies instead of apologizing to avoid any confrontation?
Why is everyone around me always being so mean? Everyone in school thinks I am bitter. How can I change their minds?My friend is always negative towards me. What do I do?How do I know if I'm a bully?How to deal with people that are bad mouthing me?How do you effectively confront people who are spreading negative rumors about you?Why would someone who is already in pain wish to inflict it upon others?How do you get over the feeling that people are laughing at you?What's the difference between bullying and teasing?My husband makes fun of my child's weight. What am I supposed to do?