How to talk to kids about bullying

If you’re wondering how to talk to kids about bullying, Pink Shirt Day is a natural time to start the conversation. The 2026 Pink Shirt Day theme, Sprinkle Kindness, is a meaningful reminder that kindness grows through the small moments we create every day. These everyday interactions help children build empathy, develop confidence, and feel safe sharing their feelings.

Also, young children don’t have to fully understand the word bullying to begin learning the skills that prevent it. When we focus on emotions, kindness, and connection early on, we give children the tools they need to navigate friendships and challenges as they grow.

Here are a few simple, age-appropriate prompts and strategies to support toddlers and preschoolers in building kindness, emotional awareness, and early anti-bullying skills.

Start with feelings

Before children can understand unkind behaviour, they need to understand emotions. Emotional awareness is the foundation for empathy, self-control, and healthy relationships.

Throughout the day, help children:

• Name their feelings
• Notice how others might feel
• Understand that their actions affect others

Simple language works best. You might say, “Bullying is when someone keeps being unkind on purpose,” or ask, “How would your heart feel if that happened?” Help children understand that conflict is a normal disagreement, while bullying is repeated, intentional unkind behaviour. Books about emotions and feelings charts can also help children connect words to their experiences.

Explain what to do when something feels wrong

Children feel more confident when they know how to respond in difficult moments. Practice simple phrases together so they feel natural to use:

• “Stop. I don’t like that.”
• “I’m going to play somewhere else.”
• “No thank you.”

You can also role play situations using toys or talk through examples from stories. Make sure children know who they can go to for help and remind them that telling a trusted adult is about staying safe, not tattling.

Create space for everyday check-ins

Children are more likely to share their worries when they feel heard and supported.

At home or in a home daycare setting, try gentle daily check-ins like:

• “How was your heart today?”
• “Did anything feel tricky or confusing?”
• “Did you see someone who needed help?”

These simple questions open the door to meaningful conversations and help children learn that their feelings matter.

For parents

Bedtime is a powerful time for connection. When the day slows down, many children feel safer opening up about their experiences.

After reading a story, try asking:

• “How do you think that character felt?”
• “What would you do if that happened to you?”
• “What was the best part of your day? What was the hardest?”

These small conversations build emotional awareness and trust. Over time, children learn that this is a safe space to share their thoughts, worries, and questions.

For home daycare providers

Home daycare environments offer many natural opportunities to build emotional skills through everyday routines.

Meaningful moments might look like:

• Talking through a conflict during play
• Checking in with a child one-on-one
• Reading books about feelings and friendship
• Sitting together at snack time and talking about the day
• Offering comfort and reassurance after a tough moment

These small interactions help children feel safe, seen, and supported. Consistent connection builds the trust children need to speak up when something does not feel right.

Why early conversations matter

Kindness and empathy are skills that grow with practice. When children learn how to name their feelings, treat others with respect, stand up for themselves, and ask for help, we’re helping them build confidence, resilience, and strong social skills that will support them for years to come.

Pink Shirt Day is a great reminder, but these conversations matter all year long.

Sprinkle kindness every day

Kindness does not have to be big or complicated. Small actions make a lasting impact.

You can make a difference by encouraging children to:

• Include someone new in play
• Use gentle hands and kind words
• Help a friend who feels left out
• Check in when someone seems sad
• Speak up when something does not feel right

This Pink Shirt Day, think about one simple way you can sprinkle kindness in your home or daycare. And remember: small moments of care and connection help create safer, more supportive spaces for every child.

Looking for additional supports? Check out our Resource Library, or download the following list of children’s books about anti-bullying, kindness and mental health.