Eliminating Bullying by Making Kindness Cool - Caryn Hacker-Buechel
Eli and Jonah’s bond never fit the neat labels. It was coaxed from risk and defense, from shared territory and small mercies. Jonah sometimes pushed Eli in the hallway to test his reactions; Eli responded with a calm that disarmed the test. Jonah would borrow Eli’s pencil and return it worn down and sharpened. They traded barbs like currency and later traded apologies in the form of unexpected favors. bully bonding
So, how can we break the cycle of bully bonding and promote healthier relationships? The answer lies in a combination of education, empathy, and support: Eliminating Bullying by Making Kindness Cool - Caryn
When you bond with an aggressor, you create a "window" for treatment rather than trying to kick down the psychological front door. Once a relationship is forged, that individual often becomes more compliant and eager to please—at least in your presence. How to Practice Bully Bonding Jonah would borrow Eli’s pencil and return it
Look for any opportunity to praise the bully in front of their peers for something positive. If correction is needed, keep it private to avoid the "cornered animal" response.