Hello! Recently, I received a phone call from my aunt to let me know that my younger cousin was being bullied, and she wanted me to try and talk to my cousin. Many girls in my cousins class told her she is hairy and that her arms are like Chewbacca and called her other nasty names. My family is Indian, and we generally have a lot of body hair. Because of this, my cousin has now refused to wear shorts sleeves to school. I live in the east coast and we are currently experiencing a heatwave, and even in this temperature she won’t even wear a short sleeve at home. She won’t believe anyone in her immediate family when they tell her she’s beautiful the way she is. My cousin really looks up to me, so my aunt asked me idea try and help my cousin out. I have no life how to talk to her about this. I don’t want to give her “solutions” like shaving her arms or bleaching the hair because I worry that that might cause a bad mindset of “fixing” insecurities instead of embracing who she is. I want her to feel confident in herself and her looks. She refuses to talk to the teacher because some of these girls are her friends, and she doesn’t want to cause drama right before the school year ends. What do I say when I talk to her? For context she is in 4th grade. Any and all suggestions are appreciated!!!
My cousin (F10) has been getting bullied and it caused her to become insecure. How can I help her?
r/Advice
Comments
This cruelty can shatter a child if no one reminds her she is more than their words. Sit with her and tell her she is a lioness in a world that fears strength, and that accepting herself is the only victory that lasts.
Have you ever seen Hand That Rocks The Cradle?
All kidding aside, remind her she is beautiful and all people are different and that’s a good thing. Show her pictures of people who embrace and emphasize their differences. Maybe get her some affirmation materials (I love Snoops affirmation songs but they might be too juvenile for her, I know at 10 some kids want to act grown!)
honestly, i think giving her the solutions might be best. kids can be cruel.
My favorite comeback to any bullying is the classic “Why are you so obsessed with me?”. Really puts the bully on the defensive.
[removed]