For bullying with words, we've taught our 6yo to say " thank you for sharing that with me" and then walk away and find an adult to tell/get help. She was in kindy last year and the teacher called to tell me that M had a 3rd grader tell her she was stupid. She used her line and walked away. The kid followed her and told her again. Again she used the line and kept on walking to the teacher. The 3rd grader was getting pissed beacuse she wasn't reacting and by the time M got to the teacher the 3rd grader was running after her yelling to the TEACHER "I'm being mean to her and she's not getting mad!" Apparently the little bugger was so angry that M wouldn't respond.
That sealed the deal that "thank you for sharing that with me" was the way to go for M.
For physical contact we've given her free reign to push, kick, hit, bite...whatever is needed to get away from someone hurting her. Kids or adults, if someone touches her body and she says no and they don't stop....let 'em have it. Again, at Kindy a boy touched her hair and she asked him to stop. He didn't so she shoved him, when he hit the floor, he stopped. The teacher made no fuss about it because she was trying to help 2 other kids and couldn't get to M. in time. She saw and heard the whole thing and was fine with how it played out.
Bullying is so tough. I think confidence and self esteem are 2 key ingredients to beating a bully at his/her own game. Wit and sarcasm have their place too.
