One For All {Hardcover} (Pre-K+)

How One Brave Voice Makes a Difference

We all know who the bullies are in life.  My elementary school had one and she loved to say that her initials spelled A.S.S. (things you do not seem to forget into adulthood, huh?).  At the time, it seemed like a perfect acronym and fitting her parents decided to label her for life.  She was always around to ruin someone’s day and since I was a quiet observer when I was young, I watched her from the sidelines picking on kids, beating kids up and trying to worm her way into the popular kids’ lives.  It was quite a sad scene.  I only had one run in with her my entire life and it was quite hilarious to think about it now.  Apparently, A.S.S. thought a popular boy liked me at the tender age of eight (ha!) and she could not stand for it.  As she yelled and shoved me for my ‘do you like me, yes or no (question mark?)’ note from Danny, my stunned silence was apparently the perfect defense.  While she left me alone after that, it was always painful for me to watch her pick on other kids and I felt helpless to do anything.  Yes, I realize now A.S.S. probably had a terrible home life and/or felt insecure yet at the time I did not really think about why she was mean.  I didn’t start philosophizing and speaking up until much later in life and I learned that I could diffuse situations at times.  Sitting on the sidelines can have its place but I learned I felt much better by doing or saying something in these uncomfortable situations.  Kids do not have to feel helpless and sometimes just one brave voice can make a difference.

One For All is a book by the Mother Company about empowering kids on the subject of bullies.  Kids are said to usually take passive roles around aggressive personalities such as bullies in school.  Unfortunately, this is something that can stay with a child into their adulthood and standing up to others and finding teamwork among peers is something that takes practice and positive self-esteem.   While the book is a cartoon about gymnasium equipment (Seth the Soccer Ball watching Buster the Bowling Ball picking on his peers), it offers great language building skills  and tools on what to do in this situation.  I love that this book opens up communication for parents and children about bullying and gives great advice so children can feel empowered.  There will always be an A.S.S. in your life (who probably wants a friend as much as you do!), but they do not have to ruin anyone’s day if you don’t let them.

One For All {Hardcover} (Pre-K+)

www.themotherco.com

List Price: $ 12.95