I’m Yu, an eighth grader. There’s bullying happening close to me right now — not at school, but at home.
Mom told me she was bullied when she was a kid. Even though Dad knows that, he says things like, “That’s why you got bullied,” whenever he’s upset with her. Every time he does, Mom looks like she’s about to cry, and my little sister Niina and I feel awful. I wanted to do something, so I talked to a teacher I really trust.
Mom always looked hurt when Dad made those mean comments. Niina and I couldn’t stand it anymore, and we both wanted to help. When I talked to my teacher, she helped me think of ways to make Dad stop teasing and saying cruel things. Her kindness gave me the courage to act.
Dad probably thought I was just a kid and wouldn’t say anything. But when we spoke to him calmly, it actually got through to him more than he expected. And after that, I think Mom began to change too — like she found some strength again. Niina and I talk about it now, hoping that maybe Dad will start to change as well.