National Anti-Bullying Month Brings A Great Lesson

Having four daughters allows for a lot of big sister/little sister battles and taunting. I smiled as I noticed my oldest helping our youngest instead of pushing her as she sometimes does. Research shows that the earlier you introduce your children to bullying the more likely it is that they will stand up to it and less likely that they will tolerate bystanders and bullies. With technology improving, the speed of bullying and cyber-bullying is exploding. It is increasingly important to talk to your kids about it and October is a good reminder, since it’s National Anti-Bullying Month.

Chicago author and philanthropist Robert Kroupa was bullied as a child. He wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, so he created the Just Like You Foundation. They educate people from an early age to accept, appreciate and celebrate the similarities and differences in all of us.

Kroupa also introduced a children’s book titled Just Like You, which is an endearing tale about Henry, a deaf field mouse, and his best friend Boris, a spider with a bad leg, who are bullied. They live in the Piney Forest with the other animals who tease and taunt them because they do not act, walk or talk like the others. After repeated attempts to fit in, a discouraged Boris and Henry are forced to stay by themselves. When fire threatens their forest homes, Boris and Henry rally to help their fellow critters and teach us about character and honor.

Just Like You is available only through the Just Like You Foundation. This way, 100 percent of the profits from each sale can be earmarked by the buyer to one of five charities, which include The HollyRod Foundation, PACER Center, Art of Elysium, The Center For Discovery and Challenge Unlimited, a not-for-profit organization that serves as the Just Like You Foundation fulfillment house. Challenge Unlimited provides work related opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

“I was inspired by a four-year-old girl who had family members with all sorts of disabilities and challenges and she saw past that, which is what I want people to do when they read my book,” Mr. Kroupa says. Finding opportunities to talk about respecting each other and yourself is always a great find. My kids love Just Like You, and I am happy to have had the opportunity to meet Mr. Kroupa, who is making an effort to bring awareness and funds to organizations that need it most.

Tagged as: philanthropy, National Anti-Bullying Month , National Disabilities Month , Just Like You Foundation and children

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Christine Garcia is founder and president of Plan It PR, a public relations and marketing firm. She dishes tips and survival stories in “Play Dates and Power Lunches.” Ms. Garcia started working public relations after a long career in broadcast journalism, which included work as a television anchor, reporter and producer.