New Years Resolution For Kids, Stand Up!

by Billy
(Memphis, TN, USA)

Though my son is only 12 years old, he has taught me a lesson about standing up for yourself, and how that helps you become a happier person. You see, my son is not the popular kind.

He was born the runt of the litter, just like his father.

From a young age he was bullied and teased at school, at the playground, and everywhere else he went unsupervised.

Four years ago, things began to get worse. He was distant and sad. His self-esteem was low. I was really worried about his well being. He was only 8 years old.

One day in mid-December the principal's office called. My son had been badly beaten up. His clothes were torn, glasses gone, and his nose was bloody. But something seemed different this time. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. He didn't say a single word at the principals office. He didn't shed a tear.

As we drove home, he said something I did not expect. He said that he had started the fight.

All those years of running away made him realize the problem wasn't bad genes or the kids at school. The problem was within himself. He realized he was responsible for inviting bullies to pick on him.

That Christmas my son made an important new years resolution for kids: to stand up for himself. He began to take action, to accept responsibility for the things that happened to him.

It's turning his life around. There are still bloody noses, but no more tears.