Keeping the Peace

The back to school season brings many new situations for children, waiting at the bus stop, recess and meeting new people. As parents and caregivers, we are always concerned with physical and emotional well being of the children in our lives.

October is Bully Prevention Month. To spread awareness, the Smithtown Library is offering several different informational programs for children and their parents and caregivers.

Stranger Danger and Bully Busting -Empire State Karate School will be here to give you the 411 on being safe on the playground, in your school and around the neighborhood. Using role playing techniques and audience participation students will learn to identify potentially sticky situations and how to resolve issues peacefully and with confidence. This program will meet at the Nesconset Branch, Thursday, October 14 at 4:30pm. Register your 4-7 year old here.

How to Zap a Bully - News headlines have been filled with stories about bullying and its sometimes tragic circumstances. Whether it's bullying or cyber-bullying, Dr. Jackie Humans, author of 15 Ways to Zap a Bully!, brings her expertise in this area to provide parents with ways they can help their children stop the bullying. She will also address how to recognize bullying behavior in your own child and what to do about it. This a program exclusively for parents and caregivers, meeting on Tuesday, October 19 at 6:45pm at the Main Branch, register here.

Storytime with Cheryl: Anti Bullying - Join author/illustrator Cheryl Taborsky, for an anti-bullying storytime adventure. Learn about feelings and needs with Fang, the bullying dragon at the Main Branch on Monday, November 15 at 7:00pm. Register your student in grades K-2 here.

Can’t make it to a program? Check out our extensive bullying bibliography, including books on bully busting, self esteem, strangers, play ground and school safety etiquette and internet resources.