How to get him to defend himself?

My son is 5, he's a great kid but he does not stick up for himself. A kid can push him, hit him, kick him and he will do NOTHING.Even though it kills me, I have recently stopped intervening because he needs to learn to stand up for himself, he'll be starting school in August and I won't be there to intervene for him anymore. For the most part, when we go out and some kid is being a little jerk to him, his/her parents are too busy chatting it up with someone else and aren't paying attention to their child's behavior. I've talked to him about it over and over and over...I'm running out of ideas, how do I handle this?

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Asked by Anonymous at 2:36 PM on Jun. 28, 2012 in School-Age Kids (5-8)

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What do you want him to do? Have you taught him to walk away and find a teacher or other adult in charge? All you can do is keep reiterating what he should do in those circumstances. Have him playact with you do different scenarios so he knows what to do in each instance.

Answer by kmath at 2:38 PM on Jun. 28, 2012
Credits: 228658 Level 46 School-Age Kids (5-8) Minor

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I've taught him to walk away, to tell an adult, to firmly tell the kid to stop and leave and if all else failed I wouldn't be mad at him for hitting back. He does nothing though, he just stands there.

Comment by Anonymous (original poster) at 2:44 PM on Jun. 28, 2012
Karate, boxing, judo etc.

These sports teach a child inner confidence and the right and wrong way to practice self defense.

Answer by feralxat at 2:47 PM on Jun. 28, 2012
Credits: 133065 Level 41 School-Age Kids (5-8) Minor

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Taekwondo. The dojang (dough-jangh, like majohng) we go to REALLY works with the Tiny Tigers (2-6 age group) to improve their self confidence and how to stand up for themselves.

From our school's website:

Tiny Tigers Our Tiny Tigers are fierce and cute! Ages 2 through 6 are welcome to train with us and learn basic skills that will advance to later programs. Our small students learn focus, attention to detail and concentration early in our program and have a great time doing it. Parents will see a notable boost in self-esteem in their children. With our program and martial arts techniques, your shy and timid child will soon become more assertive in varying aspects of life outside of our studio.

LINK to ATA website school finder

Answer by Rosehawk at 3:25 PM on Jun. 28, 2012
Credits: 85778 Level 36 School-Age Kids (5-8) Minor

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Rosehawk - I wish there was something like that anywhere close to this area. What a great idea.

Answer by meooma at 3:59 PM on Jun. 28, 2012
Credits: 375223 Level 50 School-Age Kids (5-8) Major

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No martial arts schools around meooma? Almost every discipline should have something similar. I've dabbled in Taekwondo, Brazilian jujitsu and kapaueta. In order to succeed you need to believe in yourself.

Answer by Rosehawk at 4:09 PM on Jun. 28, 2012
Credits: 85778 Level 36 School-Age Kids (5-8) Minor

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sel f discipline

Answer by GlitteribonMom at 2:27 AM on Jul. 28, 2012
Credits: 688350 Level 56 School-Age Kids (5-8) Minor

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