How do you know if your child is being bullied, especially when they won't tell you? In this episode, parenting coach Albiona Rakipi talks with Craig Conover of Bravo's Southern Charm and Dr. Chad Rose, Director of the Prevention of Bullying Center at the University of South Carolina, about Craig's new children's book, Patch Work: Bee Brave. Bee Kind. Bee You. Craig shares what it was like to be bullied as a child and why he hid it from loving parents for years. Dr. Chad explains the research definition of bullying, the behavior changes parents should watch for, how to talk to kids so they actually open up, and what to do if you think your child is the one bullying others. If you're parenting a child who seems withdrawn, struggles socially, or answers every question with "fine," this conversation offers practical, research backed steps you can use today.
Some kids who are being bullied look like they're doing just fine. Good grades, a team, plenty of friends. And they still come home carrying something they haven't found the words to share. That's not a parenting failure. It's a reason to start asking better questions.
In this episode, Albiona sits down with Craig Conover of Bravo's Southern Charm and Dr. Chad Rose, Director of the Prevention of Bullying Center at the University of South Carolina, to talk about Craig's new children's book, Patch Work: Bee Brave. Bee Kind. Bee You. Craig opens up about the bullying he experienced as a kid, why he never told his parents, and how those years resurfaced the day he signed his first TV contract. Dr. Chad brings the research, including what bullying actually is, the signs parents miss, and the one question every parent should be asking at conferences.
Inside, they explore:
The episode wraps with a quick fire round on what's on their nightstands, the rituals they rarely skip, and what their younger selves would tell them today.
About Craig Conover:
Craig Conover is a star of Bravo’s Southern Charm and the cofounder of Sewing Down South. He’s shared his story in his memoir, Pillow Talk: What’s Wrong with My Sewing?, and now in his first children’s book, Patch Work: Bee Brave. Bee Kind. Bee You., written for kids ages 4 to 7 and the grown ups who read with them.
Connect with Craig Conover:
Connect with Dr. Chad Rose:
About Dr. Chad Rose:
Dr. Chad Rose is a Professor of Special Education at the University of South Carolina, where he leads the Bullying Prevention Center, a new resource helping schools and communities identify, prevent, and respond to bullying. A former high school special education teacher, he spent 12 years at the University of Missouri directing the Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab. His research focuses on bullying prevention, school violence prevention, and supporting students with emotional, behavioral, and learning needs. He contributed the expert note and conversation guide at the end of Patch Work.
Connect with Albiona:
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Please rate, review, and share it with a parent who's noticed their child getting a little quieter lately, or the one who keeps hearing "fine" at pickup. Better questions open the door. And you've got this.
Until next time,
Albiona 🤎