As I’ve mentioned this week both here and on my Facebook page, October is anti-bullying month. Even though I think it’s unfortunate that bullying among our kids has reached the level that it deserves an entire month of awareness devoted to combating it, I also recognize that calling it out and being proactive are our best tools at stopping it.

That’s why I’m happy to tell moms and dads about a great new smartphone app created to help kids stop bullying. Using gaming for the greater good, Awesome Upstander! teaches kids they have the power to stop bullying, while reinforcing the concept of respecting and protecting others. This game helps kids know that they should stand up for what’s right, speak up when they see someone being bullied, and that there’s no virtue in abiding by the typical “code of silence” that is often the case among bystanders in these situations.

Even though my own kids are adults now, I gave this game a test run with some elementary school-aged friends. The verdict: it’s fun! The game is filled with challenges, levels, hidden objects, and fun sound effects. This is a game you won’t mind that your kid plays; it’s a terrific conversation starter between parents and children about doing the right thing in difficult situations.

Helping Your Kids Be Awesome Upstanders!

I believe the more we can expose bullying, the more power we have to stop it. That’s why I write about it. Here are some ideas to equip parents to help their kids stand up against bullying:

1.  Watch how you speak to and interact with others. Make sure you treat others with respect and dignity by standing up for what is right in grown-up situations. Behave well in front of your kids and you empower them greatly.

2.  When talking to your kids about their day, be specific. Ask, “Who did you play with and what did you do on the playground?” Your child’s answer may lead to more details about their social life and bullying.

3.  Let kids play. Don’t over-schedule your child! I’ve written about this numerous times. Free play helps kids work out their emotions and gives balance to the highly stressful, media-obsessed culture in which we live.

4.  Reassure your child that he or she can talk to you. Teach your children they should tell when something happens that might be harmful. Often adults tell kids not to “tattle-tale,” yet this may keep some kids from reporting important information. Tell your child that telling on a bully is not tattling.

50% of all proceeds from the sale of the Awesome Upstander! app during this month will benefit leading anti-bullying organizations who are partnering with Awesome Upstander!

Moms and dads, I think you’ll find this game a fun and valuable tool in your parenting resource arsenal.

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October is a special month for moms here at MegMeekerMD.com!

On November 1, I’ll be giving away a special prize package for mom’s mind, body, and soul. When you leave a comment on any post with the “Strong Mothers, Strong Families” badge, you’ll be entered to win this prize, featuring Meg Meeker books, Vicks Behind the Ear Thermometer, Cookbooks from $5 Dinners.com by Erin Chase, a six-month lunch and dinner subscription to Emeals.com, an envelope system and set of kids’ books from DaveRamsey.com, books and CDs from Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, Tell Your Time from Amy Lynn Andrews, and other awesome products!

Earn extra entries by posting a link to this post on your Facebook wall and Twitter feed. Come back here and leave a separate comment for each of these that you do.