Dear MOTIVATION: My son is a 9th grader who is being repeatedly bullied at school, leaving him feeling isolated and anxious. As a parent, I want to support him and help him connect with peers who will uplift him and stand up for him. I worry about his emotional health and self-esteem. What steps can I take to help him cope with this bullying and encourage him to make new friends? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. — HELPING MY SON IN OHIO

DEAR HELPING MY SON: My deepest compassion for your son and you, hearing he is experiencing bullying at school. Start with open communication with your son, create a safe space for him to express his feelings, and you documenting the detailed events that happen when he’s being bullied. Encourage him to join school clubs or extracurricular activities that align with his interests—this will guide him in meeting like-minded and supportive peers. Connect with the head school administrator (principal) and counselor, who can provide support and address bullying. Also, remind your son of his worth and teach resilience in the face of adversity. With your love and guidance, he can build his confidence and find true friends. With the support of his school administrator and counselor, he can overcome, over time, the traumatic experience of bullying.