Not to be mistaken with your garden variety “bully”. “Mean kids” are a cantankerous breed who offer harsh criticism to anyone they’ve deemed as “uncool”. Ostracizing fellow students under a misconstrued guise of “being better than”. These high-pedigree snobs will likely grow up to be found dining alone, with only the glow of their smart devices keeping their miserable company. And, are likely the same little shits our youngins will encounter within this school year. So, how do we help our children to cope with such arrogant adversaries?
The “Mean Kids” Dilemma
The predicament that befalls our lil’ ones, when confronting “mean kids”, is that such children are often highly revered within their social hierarchy. It’s tough for them to not take a “cool kid’s” judgment to heart while so many, desperately, seek their fleeting approval. I can recall moments in my own childhood when getting a thumbs-up from the perceived “bad-ass” increased my schoolyard credibility considerably. Moreover, as things so often never change, I empathize with the various pressures associated with maintaining one’s reputation.
What we as parents must instill, however, is that validation from such ill-natured sorts is utterly unimportant. Furthermore, it’s vastly more significant how our children perceive themselves and their personal worth.
Insecure and Unassured
The simple truth regarding “mean kids”, is that many (if not all) harbor deep-rooted insecurities that they try to mask through their scrutiny towards peers. Most lack the basic parental guidance that would ultimately curtail their tyranny. What our kids should understand is that although these mini egotists may now sit on a baseless pedestal. For most of these “meanies”, that is (sadly) the perch on which their lives revolve. Knowing better than most, the momentary nature of popularity and how easily that rug can be yanked from beneath them.
Engrain in your kids that substance supersedes style in all circumstances. That the hurtful opinions of those who chase the confirmation of others are merely words and can’t break the spirit of a budding leader. No greatness has ever emerged from following “the flock”. Therefore, it’s pointless to agonize with the notions of sheep.