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How to get my parents to stand up for me against bullies instead of apologizing to avoid any confrontation?

82 Answers
Last Updated: 10/07/2021 at 8:06am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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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
NinjaBunnny
March 10th, 2021 2:10pm
Tell then to remember their own experience of being bullied and how would they feel then if there could be someone to stand up for them. Explain how bullying makes you feel and what it does to you. Say to them to also think of the big picture: if no one ever stops bullies, they will just grow into bigger bullies. And those are then people who are mobbing their employees or attacking people around them. I think it is important that they understand your own trauma from these incidents and also see the big picture, what kind of world would they like to contribute to.
Anonymous
January 22nd, 2021 12:47pm
This is a great question! It depends on perspective. Sometimes it can be difficult to have our parents defend us against bullies. We are taught as a society not to bully others, it's morally wrong. But when bullies charge towards us and try to manipulate us and take advantage of us it can sometimes seem difficult to talk about it to others. Getting your parents to stand up for you is so important because it means they can defend, protect and cherish you as their child. When parents start to apologize it might seem confusing because it can just be a way to make the problem go away and avoid confrontation. This isn't always a bad thing depending on how its done. Perhaps your parents are looking at It with a perspective such as, "Hmm, if I apologize to them for not knowing better, it might help them to be calmer and not bully my child." Sometimes bullying them or their parents in return doesn't always make things better. It depends on the whole scenario and situation and how things are done. Perhaps your parents being assertive with the immature bullies parents are a way to make them understand better and communicating with them, pointing out exactly what it is that they want to stop happen. =) Don't be discouraged if you feel like your parents can not stand up for you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You shouldn't feel alone, the world should make you feel safe depending on how you view things and treat others. Everyone will be held accountable for their actions at some point in life. I understand it might be difficult to move past situations where you are feeling bullied because you feel alone. Trying to engage with people you find comfort with helps! There are support groups you might be able to talk to others and relate to them on the website. I don't want you feel alone, YOU ARE ENOUGH. Don't feel silenced when it comes to bullies. Make sure you speak up about how you feel or felt but to the right person(s) such as counselor, principle, teachers, etc.. If you go to church, let your pastor/ priest or whoever ordains within your religious beliefs. I would say that you should still tell your parents even if you feel they haven't handled the situation correctly. Speaking about your emotions can be important for your parents to understand what you're going through. Don't give up! Also, explore the website and find as much people as you can to talk to if you need to!
Anonymous
December 4th, 2020 11:36am
I went through this the best way would be to sit with your parents express how you are feeling see how they feel as well a chat can often bring families closer and to better understand what needs to be done. Sometimes parents may not fully understand what we may be feeling or going through so sometimes to express to them that you need their help and maybe explain to them what all has been happening and why it upsets you how they have been reacting to things i am sorry that this is happening to you bullying is rough and it is sad the world has it
Anonymous
November 15th, 2020 2:01pm
Maybe you can ask your parents to first listen to you, analyze why and how you are bullied, and ask them to believe in you and support you. Even if you are not bullied and want your parents to stand up for you, make them realise the consequences of bullying. I know that deep down they too know how bad bullying can get ... it is just that they sometimes avoid it. But the truth is, you are the only one who cant make your parents understand the importance of this subject. You should tell them, that by apologizing, one can either become polite or they can also become ignorant, and then tell them that you don't want your parents to turn out to be ignorant...
nikanni
August 8th, 2019 10:39am
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!
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!
Anonymous
August 29th, 2020 1:06am
The biggest thing I would say for this, is tell your parents, exactly how you feel. It is so important as a child to have a good relationship with trust and stability with your parents. If you openly share with them, they will also trust you and be better able to understand how you feel. When I was bullied, my parents supported me, as I shared exactly what was going on and told them, what i needed to be supported. One must vocalize their needs in order for others to know what they can do for them. If you would not like them to apologize, the best thing is to let them know that, and your reasons.
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!
richyShiny39
April 24th, 2020 9:08am
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.
sereneMermaid411
April 23rd, 2020 10:28pm
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.
RedBird3
March 8th, 2020 2:54am
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.
sdmvs
August 31st, 2016 1:32pm
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
sereneStrawberry33
February 26th, 2017 1:49pm
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.
originalbraveheart63
November 24th, 2016 2:24pm
You should have a serious conversation with them about how it is affecting you and ask them about doing something in this case.
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! :)
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.
peacefulButterfly23
October 13th, 2016 4:25pm
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!
Chipoltleh
October 2nd, 2016 6:06pm
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.
generousEnergy13
September 21st, 2016 6:17pm
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
shinystars26
September 9th, 2016 8:56pm
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
Anonymous
March 12th, 2017 3:31am
Not all adults are equipped with all the skills they need in life. I am so sorry to hear that your parents dont stick up for you. Maybe let them know how you feel or give them ideas on what they can do or say to stick up for you. Not sure if that can work in your situation, as people listen to whom they will. And sometimes parents dont listen well to their kids. If your parents won't help find another adult you trust that will, like an aunt, uncle, teacher or coach.
Naicoro
August 25th, 2016 4:33am
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 .
JasmineScent
August 20th, 2016 10:09am
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
Grangs
August 14th, 2016 10:53am
Tell them exactly your side of the story, do not change anything, and explain how this is really hurting you.
awesomeSoul43
August 14th, 2016 9:08am
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
balancedlibra53263
August 13th, 2016 3:35am
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.