When Your Children Are Bullied Over Your Public Life

👉 Being a parent is already hard. 

👉 Being a parent in the public eye, with a sports career that people love to comment on — good or bad — makes it even harder. 

👉 And sometimes, your child ends up being bullied, teased, or targeted because of you — your wins, losses, or what people say about you online and on TV.

💥 Here’s what to do when that happens — how to protect your child, support them emotionally, and handle the pressure together.

1. First: This Is NOT Your Fault — But It Is Real

👉 You might feel guilty thinking:

🚩 “If I didn’t play, this wouldn’t happen to them.” 

🚩 “Maybe I shouldn’t have put us in this public life.”

💥 But here’s the truth:

✅ You are working hard for your career and family. 

✅ You don’t control how other people act — bullying is never your fault. 

✅ What matters most is how you support and protect your child now.

2. Why It Hurts Them So Much — Even If You Think It’s "Just Talk"

👉 Kids are sensitive to what people say about their family — because it hits their identity.

👉 The bullying might sound like:

🚩 “Your dad/mom sucks at [sport].” 

🚩 “Your mom/dad choked in the last game.” 

🚩 “Your parent’s a loser.” 

🚩 “They think they’re famous — but they’re trash.” 

🚩 “Your dad/mom’s always on TV embarrassing themselves.”

💥 Even if it seems silly to adults, for a kid, it’s deep. 

💥 It makes them feel ashamed, angry, isolated, and helpless — like they’re being punished for something they didn’t do.

3. How to Recognize If Your Child Is Being Bullied Because of You

👉 Kids don’t always tell you directly. Watch for these signs:

🚩 Suddenly not wanting to go to school. 

🚩 Acting sad, angry, or withdrawn.

🚩 Not wanting to talk about friends or school. 

🚩 Getting into fights or acting out. 

🚩 Physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches (stress signs).

💥 If you notice these signs, check in and ask gently — they may be waiting for you to open the door.

4. How to Talk to Your Child About It — What to Say

👉 Open the conversation:

💬 “I’ve been thinking — sometimes when people talk about me, they say not-so-nice things. Has anyone ever said something to you at school about me?”

💬 “You can always tell me if someone is giving you a hard time — I’ll listen and help.”

💥 Let them know you’re ready to listen without judging or getting mad.

5. What to Say to Help Them Feel Safe and Supported

✅ A. Reassure Them It’s Not Their Fault

💬 “This is not because of you. You didn’t do anything wrong. Some people say mean things, but that doesn’t mean they’re right.”

✅ B. Remind Them Who You Are — Beyond What People Say

💬 “People don’t always know the real me or our family. They talk without knowing the full story.”

💬 “What people say about me doesn’t change how much I love you or who we are as a family.”

✅ C. Teach Them What to Say Back — Without Fighting

👉 Simple lines to protect themselves:

💬 “I don’t care what you say — that’s my parent, and I’m proud of them.” 

💬 “That’s between you and them — leave me out of it.” 

💬 “You don’t know my family — stop talking about them.”

💥 Give them power to stand up for themselves calmly.

✅ D. Remind Them It’s Okay to Ask for Help at School

💬 “If this keeps happening, you can go to a teacher or counselor — and I can help talk to them too.”

💥 Schools are responsible for keeping kids safe — even when bullying is about family issues.

6. What You Can Do to Protect Them (Beyond Just Talking)

✅ A. Work with the School

👉 Let teachers and counselors know what’s happening. 

👉 Ask for monitoring, intervention, and safe spaces for your child.

💥 Your child shouldn’t feel alone in handling this.

✅ B. Monitor What’s Being Said About You Publicly

👉 If media or online trolls are saying extreme things — step in and manage it:

• Report abusive content.

• Talk to your team or agent about protecting your public image and how it affects your family.

💥 Protecting your kid’s mental health is part of managing your career too.

✅ C. Get Them Professional Support if Needed

👉 A child therapist, school counselor, or psychologist can help them process emotions and build confidence.

💥 No shame in getting help — it’s strength.

7. How to Take Care of YOURSELF When This Hurts You Too

👉 Watching your child get hurt because of you is painful — and you deserve support too.

💥 Talk to trusted people (partner, friend, therapist). 

💥 Give yourself grace — this is not your fault. 

💥 Keep reminding yourself: You’re doing your best for your family.

8. Final Words — You Can Protect and Support Your Kids, Even in a Public Life

💥 Your child’s life is different — but with love, honesty, and action, they can grow up strong and proud. 

💥 You are NOT alone — other athlete parents are going through this too. 

💥 What matters most is that your child feels seen, heard, and safe — that starts with you.

9. Take These Reminders With You

🟢 “My child’s safety and mental health come first.” 

🟢 “I can help my child handle the pressure that comes with my career.” 

🟢 “We can talk about hard things together — they don’t have to face this alone.” 

🟢 “I can take care of myself too — to stay strong for them.” 

🟢 “My love and support matter more than anything people say.”