• Talk to the teacher. She may be able to make some adjustments in the classroom or talk to the other kids about their behavior.
• Help your child fit in. There's no need to spend a fortune on the latest styles, but if she's being rejected for something she's willing to change, help her do so.
• Minimize negative habits. Some kids get shut out because they don't bathe frequently enough, or they pick their nose, or their social skills are otherwise lacking.
• Remind your child of his strengths. When a child knows he's good at something, it's easier for him to cope when peers say mean things.
• Teach your child to stand up for herself. Talk to your kid about different strategies she can use when classmates tease.
• Arrange play dates. Children act differently when they're not part of a large herd. So look for children who share similar interests with your child and invite them over.

Updated September 2003