Make Time to Listen – Take Time to Talk About Bullying
Did you know that research has found that remarkable things can happen if parents and caregivers spent at least 15 minutes of undivided time a day listening and talking with their children? Research also tells us that children really do look to their parents and caregivers for advice and help about difficult choices and decisions.
The document in your hands right now and other companion materials about bullying are part of 15+ Make Time to Listen…Take Time to Talk, an Initiative developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to promote healthy child development and to prevent youth and school-based violence.
The initiative builds on both the value children place on the advice they get from important adults in their lives and the benefits of those special 15 minutes each day. The listening and talking theme, however, also can be adapted by teachers, counselors, and other adults who are involved in the lives and futures of children.
Whether focused on bullying – as in this part of the Initiative – or on general principles of healthy development and behavior, the messages exchanged between children and their parents and caregivers in just these 15 minutes or more a day, can be instrumental in building a healthier and safer future for children as individuals, family members, and active and engaged participants in the life of their communities.
Source: U.S. Deparment of Health and Human Services
