Use the Poker Face!

Most kids don't know how to respond to a bullies words and actions and show the embarrassment and anger on their faces. This is what that bully wants. That's the pay-off. Once you show that reaction the bully feels that power over you and he's more likely to do it again and again to get the same reaction and feel the same power.

How about not giving the bully what he wants? Use the Poker Face. The term "poker face" came about from the card game poker. The term is used to describe how people playing poker are supposed to make a bets - they use a blank expression on their faces when betting (the poker face) so others in the game cannot read the person's face to guess if that person has a good hand or bad hand of cards. If someone has a happy face they most likely have a good hand so the others in the game do not bet a lot of money. If someone has a frustrated face they most likely have a bad hand so the others bet A LOT of money. Are you starting to get it?

The secret to playing poker correctly is the "Poker Face." The secret to dealing with bullying and teasing is the Poker Face! How? Well by keeping an emotionless and expressionless face on while being bullied sends the other kid the message that the bullying "WILL NOT GET TO ME NO MATTER WHAT!" This prevents the bully from thinking you are a good target for bullying. This works but you have to use it consistently.