Michaela Clovis is a neighbor of mine. Last year, one of her classmates made fun of her hair. “She said it doesn't look right and doesn't match my skin,” said Michaela. Michaela is Irish, German, Native American, and African American. She has pale skin and reddish yellow hair, but she is not white.
Soon, a few classmates joined the teasing. Michaela said she felt “small and alone”. But she stopped the teasing without getting angry. Here is how she did it.
First, Michaela talked to her parents. Her mother, Donna, told Michaela's teacher and also suggested that Michaela not face the teasing alone. Next, Donna told Michaela about the different people in her family, and their love for each other. She taught her that people of all races are beautiful.
“Everyone's skin or hair color is beautiful and you have to believe that for yourself. You have to learn to be confident and comfortable in your own skin and hair. Forget what your classmates say, as it is just a period most kids go through picking on others because they are different! Just don't let it get to you and you will be okay! Be proud of who you are and love yourself for being a kind and generous human being,” Michaela's mother said.
This made Michaela feel better. After that, Michaela was more confident. The next time she was teased, Michaela said, “I know that I'm proud of it”. She stuck to that answer until the teasing finally ended.
