/pbskids2008/itsmylife/body/foodsmarts

Dear IML,
I think my brother's becoming a bully! I've already talked to my dad, but he's not doing anything. My brother's 4. He says things like, "If you don't do what I want, I wont let you do something you like to do." He's only 4, so he can't do any damage, it's his attitude I'm worried about. Please tell me what to do.
--Shivani, 10

Dear Shivani,
It sounds like you’re pretty worried about your little brother and that you want to be the best big sister you can be. First, keep in mind that it’s normal for younger children to be “bossy” sometimes. Your brother is still learning about himself and how to get along with other people. Four-year-olds think a lot about themselves and not as much about other people. But as they get older, they usually begin to think about how other people feel.

Something you can do to help is to be a good role model to your brother by showing him how to be kind to others and share. You can also let him know that you don’t like playing with him when he’s being a bully and if it’s upsetting, you can walk away when he’s behaving that way. You can give him lots of encouragement (hugs, kisses, cheers) when you see him sharing or being kind --this will help him feel good about himself when he’s nice to others. Good luck!
--Sarah Hennelly, L.C.S.W.

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Have you ever been the victim of mean gossip or rumors?

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"I would love to go to Ukraine because I have relatives there and there is a lot of culture. Well, I'd like to go to New York City too!"
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“I would go to New York because in New York they have good pizza."
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--Sarah, 11

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