I think my child is being bullied, what should I do?

Often children may not tell adults they are being bullied for fear that it will get worse or maybe because they feel that adults are powerless to do anything about it. If you think that your child may be being bullied, signs to look out for are:

• Your child starts to try to avoid going to school or specific lessons
• A sudden falling out with friends that your child does not want to explain
• Your child says, "It's nothing." but shows you through feelings and behaviour that something is upsetting him/her.
• A sudden change in behaviour like withdrawal or lashing out, defensiveness, bed-wetting, nightmares, unexplained crying, poor marks at school.
• Unexplained bruises or scratches, torn/missing books or belongings.
• A drop in self-esteem and confidence.

Children can behave in a cruel way (sometimes without meaning to be) they can be very aware of differences and be hurtful to others they identify as different. If a child has a visible difference this can be an easy thing for another child to focus their bullying on. However it is important to remember that many children who have visible differences do not get bullied and are able to develop strategies for dealing with other people's reactions and have a positive experience at school.

What can you do? ....Read more

My baby has been born with a craniofacial condition. I'm worried about what he will have to face as he grows up.

During the first few months of your baby's life, you will probably experience a mixture of emotions - joy, shock, happiness, uncertainty, and sadness not to mention exhaustion as you adjust, not only to being a parent, but also to unexpected hospital visits, strange medical terms and other people's reactions to your baby. Your feelings are very natural in this situation and will be shared by many parents whose child is born with a visible difference......Read more .

My child has eczema. What can you tell me about this condition and what treatment can you recommend?

Changing Faces is not a medical charity and we are unable to give you medical advice regarding your child's medical condition or recommend particular practitioners or treatments. However, we can provide you with information on how to go about finding out more about your child's medical condition and its treatment. We can also advise you on getting the most out of your appointments with health professionals......Read more .

People always stare at my daughter when we go out. They make rude comments, keep asking what happened or point. It makes me so angry and I don't know what to say or do.

Noticing difference is something that we all do even if it is to just look a bit longer or ask questions in our own head. But when strangers see someone who has a visible difference, they can forget their manners and find the confidence to ask personal questions or call out names or stare. Such responses can leave parents and children feeling awkward, upset or embarrassed and aware that they cannot go out in public without being noticed......Read more .

My child is starting a new school soon and I am concerned about how she will fit in. Will the other children tease her or leave her out because of the way she looks.

Parents often call Changing Faces when children start school for the first time or are changing schools. Your concern about whether your child will be accepted is understandable. This concern may have come up because your child has had a negative experience at a previous school or may have encountered some negative reactions in public...... Read more .

My son has started to notice that he looks different from other children and he's asking me questions. How should I deal with this?

It is natural for children to become curious and to notice difference. As children start to communicate they will point out differences or ask about it. You might feel uncertain about what to say or whether to say anything at all. There are ways you can introduce talking about difference in a way that doesn't make too big a deal of it but helps them to develop a positive image of their visible difference and the confidence to talk about it easily......Read more

If these questions and answers have touched on your own experience and you'd like some support, information or advice please call us on 0845 4500 275 or email info@changingfaces.org.uk