By: Dr. Elizabeth Conway-Williams
As a parent, there is a helpless, sinking-in-your-stomach feeling the first time you hear your child describe a peer being hurtful. "Mama bear" feelings may bubble up along with your own playground memories of feelings of humiliation and shame. However, before we act on these protective impulses, it's best to pause to better understand the situation so that we can help our child navigate the situation in a way that is helpful in the long run.