Have you heard? Juicy news travels fast!
Did you hear? She totally hooked up with him at the party last night. They told them, who told her, who told him, who told my sister, who told me about it. Everyone in the entire school knows.
And so the rumor spreads.
This is a common thing in middle and high school.
Kids spread rumors about other kids all the time. They do it because they’re jealous, because they’re haters, or because they’re just bored and have nothing better to do but find entertainment in spreading myths about their schoolmates.
If the rumor ever makes it to your ears, remember that it’s not necessarily true.
Then do this…
- Don’t jump to conclusions and accuse your son or daughter of something they didn’t do.
- First find out if the rumors are true. If it’s not, find out who’s spreading the rumors.
- Talk to those kids’ parents. Make them stop.
- Let your kids know that they don’t have to walk around with the rumors their entire school life. There are grown-ups out there who can help them, like you, for example. There is also the school counselor, a trusted teacher, the principle, and anyone else who can lend an ear and possibly help your child.
Remain calm, everyone. It’s only when the bad rumors are true that you would have to worry; otherwise, there are resources out there to help.
Tell us your stories. Have there been rumors about your children that you know of? What did you do to help your children deal with the rumors?
For Teens: What Can I Do About These Rumors? [Annie Fox]
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Hi Annie,
I just retweeted you. The advice is wise, simple and so helpful.
Jean Tracy, MSS