This unique manual was developed to help parents assist their children in dealing with bullying situations. It can be used independently or serve as the parent involvement component for a Bully Busters school-based program. The book promotes an understanding of the nature and extent of bullying - the physical, emotional, and educational consequences to children who are targets of bullying, who do the bullying, or who as bystanders are directly affected by witnessing bullying and victimization. Includes case examples based on the experiences of real families. Book Reviews "The Bully Busters Approach parent guide is a wonderful resource for school psychologists interested in running groups for educating parents on issues related to bullying. . . . Some of the topics that were especially helpful were identification of 'the big questions;' listing of child, family, school, community, and society risk and protective factors; aids to help families identify their 'sphere of influence' and available resources; and guidelines for healthy, happy families. This resource is definitely worth having if you want to assist in reducing bullying by working with children’s families." —Christine Merman Woolf, Communiqué, National Association of School Psychologists "How many times have you picked up the phone and listened to parents concerns about their child being teased, picked on or bullied at school? . . . Through real-life scenarios and clear examples, myths are dispelled and readers are guided to a greater understanding of risk and protective factors. . . . School psychologists can offer this book to parents as a resource independently or as part of a parent group. Schools that already have a bullying prevention program will find this manual an excellent component to enhance parent involvement.” —Mary Jean McDonald, Ph.D., New York School Psychologist Newsletter "This guide is a great resource for working with parents on the issue of bullying. . . . The authors point out the importance of emotional intelligence — an area parents do have control over, unlike the influence of television, the media, music, and peers. . . . Parents can also use this book in helping their children build the skills necessary to protect themselves from being bullied." —Jane Zobel, INSSWA Networker, Indiana School Social Workers Association "Like most school staff members, parents are not sure how to handle the problem of bullying. Those who ask for guidance will find it in this excellent resource. The authors start with a clear definition of bullying, using their PIC criteria: P-bullying is purposeful, I-imbalanced, and C-continual. The bully acts with a set agenda, has some type of power over the target, and repeats the behavior over time. . . . Parents need to read this book to help their children by being armed with the latest information and not the myths from their childhoods." —C. J. Bott, VOYA, Voice of Youth Advocates Table of Contents: Increasing Your Awareness of Bullying
What Causes Bullying and What Can We Do?
Tools for Strong Families
Understanding Children Who Bully
Understanding Targets of Bullying
Helping Children Who Bully
Helping Targets of Bullying
Parents and Schools
Taking Care of Yourself Figures Levels of Influence on Bullying Behavior
Child Risk and Protective Factors
Family Risk and Protective Factors
School Risk and Protective Factors
Community Risk and Protective Factors
Society's Risk and Protective Factors
Sphere of Influence
Helpful Resources
Big Questions Form
Feelings Chart
Helen's Stressor
My Stressors Tables Play versus Bullying
Bullying Differences between Girls and Boys
Passive, Assertive, and Aggressive Responses
You-Messages versus I-Messages | 
