“Thanks Little Bee Books for partnering with me for this giveaway!”

One of my favorite publishers of children’s books, Little Bee Books, has just released its newest series, Ask Emma. In honor of this occasion, I am partnering with Little Bee Books to host an amazing giveaway!

Emma Woods knows just how to fix all her peers’ problems-or so she thinks-in this first book in the brand-new middle grade series Ask Emma. A New York Times-bestselling author several times over, Sheryl Berk is most proud of the dozens of books she has co-written with her daughter, Carrie. Ask Emma has an anti-cyberbullying message, and the authors have partnered with the organization NoBully.org.

 

Cyber Bullying

I love what this book stands for. We had an issue recently with cyber bullying, so this book hit home for us. I knew eventually this day would come. Technology and social media play an ever-present role in our children’s lives, making them vulnerable to cyberbullying. The bullies are hiding behind the anonymity of a screen with the intent to be cruel. One of the hardest days in a parent’s life is finding out that their child is being bullied. Especially reading the messages for yourself.

I’m not going to get into the details on here. But believe me, my heart ached for my daughter. Then that ache turned to anger. I was extremely angry. Believe me it took everything in my power to not go find this kid and set him straight. But, then I came to my senses and realized I am an adult and that’s not how we handle things. The only way we can change this is if we get involved. If you, and I and all of us take action, we can stop the bullying. 

People are naturally very defensive when being confronted, and even more so when it is about their child. I believe confronting the parents was the best solution in our situation because it didn’t happen in school, it happened on social media. I am sure some people believe that confronting the parents of the bully will only make matters worse. And it certainly can, if the conversation is not approached delicately.

I am not a confrontational person, but I knew the only way to handle this particular problem was to go talk to the parents. Parents need to deal with a little awkwardness in order to give the situation the best chance at a positive outcome. I went to their house, and we talked. Like normal, civil human beings. Can you believe it? They actually thanked me for coming to them. It was a lesson learned for all of us, at least I know it was for me. I have learned the more honest we can be with other parents the more likely they will give their children discipline when needed. If the behavior does not stop, then I would definitely go to the school counselor.

We need to teach our children that it is normal to feel awkward and to have anxiety about standing up for ourselves, but that it is worth it because they are worth it! So to all the parent’s reading this, my advice to you is if your child is being cyber bullied, take a minute and try to have a conversation with the parents. It really does go a long way. Will it always end well? No. But at least you tried.

Ask Emma

When 13-year-old Emma Woods gets that tingling feeling in her fingertips, she knows she’s on to a great idea–and starting an advice blog for her classmates at Austen Middle may be one of her most brilliant ones yet! Who better to give advice on friendship, style, school, and even crushes than someone who’s going through it too?

But when Ask Emma goes live, she quickly realizes not everyone sees it that way. Suddenly, Emma is bombarded with peers asking her to help them postpone quizzes, get out of detention, and cut gym class short. This wasn’t exactly what she had in mind. . . .What’s worse, someone is posting hurtful comments, telling her to mind her own business. Despite her good intentions, Emma’s blog seems to only be getting her-and her friends–deeper and deeper into trouble.

Will Ask Emma come to an end before it’s really begun? Or can Emma find her voice, write what’s in her heart, and truly stand up for what she believes in?

Sheryl and Carrie are proud to work with No Bully, an organization committed to leading kids into a cyberbully-free world. Learn more at NoBully.org.

How does your family handle cyberbullying?

And for a little bonus for reading my blog today, enjoy a sneak peek of Ask Emma! Download the pdf here.

BE NICE WITH YOUR ADVICE!

Find your voice, and spread kindness!

Comment Below to Win!

One (1) winner receives:

Copy of Ask Emma and a “Be Nice” notebook and compliment pencil set.

Giveaway open to US addresses only.

Prizing and samples provided by Little Bee Books.