Showing posts with label Stanley Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stanley Cup. Show all posts

Saturday, August 23, 2025

A Summer's Glance: An Interview With Philadelphia Flyers’ Legend Bernie Parent

Here's another look at an interview I conducted with the one and only Bernard Marcel Parent...

Spending a few hours with Philadelphia Flyers' legend Bernie Parent was well worth the trip to his office in New Jersey. Here's a full replay of an online feature that originally premiered in the fall of 2010...

Today, my philosophy has changed tremendously. Everything comes from what you think about. Whatever you are thinking, you are going to attract. When you are happy, good things will come to you, ” Bernard Marcel Parent.

A week prior to his participation in the Spectrum's demolition ceremonies, I had the chance to discuss hockey, business, and philosophy with Bernie Parent. In doing so, I learned about the man who was a steady rock on those Flyers 1970's Stanley Cup teams. The former goaltender's candor and warm demeanor revealed how he has transitioned from a Hall of Fame sports career to life after the game.

The last time I was in the Spectrum, I went down to the floor and stood where the holes for the net used to be. I was there for about 10 to15 minutes looking at the whole building. I relived the memories one last time. It was a beautiful thing,” Parent said.

Parent, who will be honored by the Flyers on December 8th at “Bernie Parent night”, has remained a member of the Flyers' family, serving as an ambassador for the team.

New book to be released

He also is the author of a forthcoming book, My Journey Through Fear and Risk, which was developed through his experiences, conversations, and motivational speeches that he has given since his playing career ended. The book will be available to corporations, schools, non-profits, and individuals. In it, he discusses life after hockey and how each person can develop a proper philosophy. It also contains a menu of 15 topics to select from which facilitates Parent's in-person presentations.

In addition to authoring a book, he has continued to represent a number of different corporations, and make public relations appearances around the country and in Canada.

Business requests can be made through his manager, Dean Smith, who can be contacted at: 856-988-0001 and through Parent's website.

When I talk with people, I tell them to find out what their purpose is. They need to find what they love to do and dedicate their lives to it. That's when you get involved in fear and risk. You may have to change everything in your life, but risk is a beautiful thing. That is when things happen. All successful people have taken risks,” Parent said.

Learning from the master

Parent's hockey career was partly inspired by Hall of Fame goaltender Jacques Plante, whose sister lived aside of his family home.

I was a shy kid, so when Plante would come to visit his sister I would always watch him. I can see in my mind exactly what his sister's house looked like, how he got out of his car, stood in front of the house smoking a cigar, and how he walked up the steps,” Parent fondly recalled.

My goal as a little leaguer was to get to the National Hockey League and then to win the Stanley Cup. When I was a kid I might have had 200 people telling me that I wasn't going to make it. They said I
wasn't big enough, or strong enough. But, when you have passion and are good enough, the obstacles fade away,” Parent said.

After playing in the junior leagues for the Niagara Falls Flyers, he was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the mid-1960's. Later he was selected in the 1967 NHL expansion draft by the Flyers and played in Philadelphia until he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1971. Their starting goalie at the time was none other than Jacques Plante.

When I was traded to Toronto, I had some doubts at first. That was a low point in my career because I wasn't looking at the right side of the coin. I was thinking about the Flyers not wanting me, rather than the fact that the Leaf's did want me. Plus, the person who I admired as a child, Plante, was their goalie. I learned a great lesson from that whole experience,” Parent said.

I was there (in Toronto) for two years. I watched Plante play from the bench. He was incredible! You don't want to copy someone, but take what they have an add it to your own style. So, one day, I said to him, 'Jacques, can you teach me?', Parent said.

In 1972, Parent took a risk and jumped to a rival league called the World Hockey Association. While playing for the Philadelphia Blazers during that 1972-73 season, he faced an average of 55 shots per game, but used that as an opportunity to apply what he had learned from Plante. When the Blazers moved to Vancouver at season's end, he decided to go back to the NHL. Toronto then traded his rights to the Flyers.

Fred Shero

Newspapers heralded his return as a move that could help the team to win the Cup in 1973-74.

The first time I met Fred Shero he came up to me and said that he believed in team work, but didn't know anything about goaltending, so I was on my own. As soon as he said that, I knew I had the right coach,” Parent recalled.

I got a standing ovation when I stepped onto the ice at the Spectrum during our first pre-season game that year. But, ten minutes into the game, the Rangers had scored eight goals against me. I heard a lot of boos and Freddy (Shero) pulled me out. That was my reintroduction to the city. But, when you think you have hit your lowest moments, it doesn't mean it's over. You are just being sent in a different direction,” Parent said.

A few weeks after that Rangers game, Shero had Parent start in goal for the regular season opener against Toronto. He shut them out 2-0. As we know, the Broad Street Bullies went on to famously win their first Stanley Cup that season and have “walked together forever”, just as Shero's locker room chalkboard message had encouraged them to do.

Parent earned many awards after his return to Philadelphia, including winning both the Vezina (an award given annually to the league's best goalie) and the Conn Smythe (an award given annually to the league's best playoff performance) trophies in 1973-74 and 1974-75.

Post-hockey career

A five-time All-Star, he was the toast of the town in the 1970's, adding another Cup win in 1974-75. But, after a career-ending eye injury against the Rangers, in 1979, his life changed dramatically.

After retirement, the problem is that you can't perform in front of large crowds anymore. That is the biggest adjustment that you have to make. Money is separate adjustment,” Parent said.

He joined a self-help program that he credits with turning his life around.

In your greatest despair, you can have your greatest victory. As long as I was the hockey player, I had a purpose. Once that stopped, that purpose was gone. I went in circles. I wasn't happy and I hung around people who had a similar outlook. I have learned that you become what you attract. So, I like to share what I went through because I want to help people to learn through my experiences,” Parent said.

During that time period he also was a goaltending coach and scout for the Flyers. Neil Little, drafted on Parent's recommendation, went on to win two Calder Cups for the Flyers AHL affiliate and today is the Flyers worldwide goalie scout.

In 1998, he was willing to let a doctor perform a new procedure on his damaged right eye. The procedure worked, restoring his vision to 20/20.

Pelle Lindbergh

Thomas Tynander and Bill Meltzer's book Behind the White Mask, contains a sharply detailed description of Lindbergh's life, career, and the father-son type relationship that he had with Parent. We discussed the book and his remembrances of Lindbergh.

Pelle was here on Earth for a brief moment that was cut a little bit short. We are spiritual people and
I believe that when someone passes away they move onto a new place in their eternal life,” Parent reflected.

During the 1981-82 season, Lindbergh was struggling. When he was sent to the Flyers minor league team in Maine, Parent suggested that he go with him. Through his guidance, Lindbergh returned to the Flyers during that season. He went on to win the Vezina trophy in 1984-85, which Parent presented to him at the awards ceremony.

I opened the envelope and his name was listed as the winner. He came up on stage and gave me hug. It was a big moment,” Parent fondly recalled.

I was very grateful that I was a part of his life. A paradigm was passed from Plante, the master, to me and then I passed what I had learned on to Pelle. He had a lot of good qualities that could benefit us today,” Parent said of his former protege.

Recent pursuits

He has remained an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He values family greatly, having two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren.

It is a different phase that I'm going into now. I love children. When you watch a child, you are seeing happiness. Watch them for a half of an hour and you will learn a lot,” Parent said.

A few years ago one of Parent's sons gave him a popular DVD. He credits what he learned from it (along with it's related book) as helping him to gain a deeper understanding of life.

The Secret helped me to see that we attract good and the bad things in life by how we think. When you have a positive view of life, good things happen to you. The greatest power on Earth is the power to choose. Once you understand the process, you can create anything that you want,” Parent said.

Ed Snider

I believe that he is one of the best owners in professional sports and has built his own economy. He is wise enough to realize that he needs a team. He is involved with his company, but allows people to have confidence in themselves and lets his team perform. Back in 1967-68 (the team's first year) he was sitting at the kitchen table with his wife, trying to determine how they would meet payroll. Now, he is one of the most successful individuals in the Delaware Valley,” Parent said.

Flyers 2010-2011

I think this team has the whole package. They have a great coach (Peter Laviolette) who I really like. They have great forwards and great defenseman. They also have three good goalies, who understand the game. It's exciting because the Flyers have their deepest team in a long time. They aren't hoping to win, they know they can win. If they stay healthy, they have a good chance to win the whole thing,” Parent enthusiastically said.

Packs

I consider myself to be a wolf, because I like the freedom of choice. Choice is very, very important to me. A wolf works in packs. So, everyone doesn't have to be like me, because people all have different talents,” Parent said.

He has employed the same strategy in his current pursuits that he did when he studied Plante's goaltending techniques. He studied successful business people for five years, so that he could begin to build his own business pack.

Parent concluded by saying, “Material possessions, like us, will come and go. I am grateful for what I have been able to attract. Life is a wonderful journey.”

Postscript

Growing up in the 1970's, I was naturally a Flyers fan and spent many great days playing street hockey with cousins and elementary school friends. My uncle created cool foam goalie pads that my cousin wore during our games in his garage. Every Sunday, while my Mom was making dinner, I would put my Bernie-style mask on and fend off shots from my Dad in our own basement rink.

After completing the interview, I began my journey back through the roads that I had traveled on a few hours earlier. As I did so, I could see in my memories that we all wanted to be who Bernie was back then. I also knew that I had just spoken with someone who enjoys being who he is today.

(Thank you to Dan Morroni, who is a custom tailor in the Philadelphia region.)
(My interview was initially provided to philly2philly.com.)

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Rick Tocchet - Eighth Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach Who Was Also a Vancouver Canucks Head Coach


Rick Tocchet is the twenty-fifth head coach in Philadelphia Flyers' history. His hire means that twenty-four percent of the organization's head coaches played for the team.



Craig Berube was the most recent former player to become head coach (2013-14 and 2014-15). The others were John Stevens, Bill Barber, Terry Murray, and Paul Holmgren. Three coaches rank in the team's top ten playoff winning percentage: Murray, second place, .609; Holmgren, sixth place, .526; and Stevens, tenth place, .478. (Tocchet led two teams to the playoffs across nine full and partial seasons as a head coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Arizona Coyotes (2019-20), and Vancouver Canucks (2023-24.)



Tocchet, who turned 61 on April 9, won the 2023-24 Jack Adams Award (head coach of the year). He is the Flyers eighth head coach who has also been a head coach for Vancouver. The others were John Tortorella, Alain Vigneault, Roger Neilson, Mike Keenan, Bob McCammon, Pat Quinn, and Vic Stasiuk.



Fred Shero is the only head coach to lead Philadelphia to a Stanley Cup championship, winning in the 1973-1974 and 1974-1975 seasons. Shero has the third-highest playoff winning percentage (.578).

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach Decision Looms

Philadelphia Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher is said to be conducting a thorough review of available coaching candidates. Buzz involving Barry Trotz, John Tortorella, Rick Tocchet, Jim Montgomery, Kirk Muller, Mike Vellucci, and others exists.

Interviews are said to have taken place with other suitors for various candidates impacting every team's ability or desire to finalize a contract. Also, the National Hockey League playoffs have yet to fully play out, meaning that other potential candidates could become available shortly. 

Fletcher and his staff will telegraph the direction they intend the organization to go through the hire that is made. A need to re-energize the fan base is part of the consideration as well. 

Label the state of the Flyers as a rebuild, retool, or anything else. The NHL roster and organizational depth do not appear to be near that of the remaining Stanley Cup contenders. A decision shortly after the Cup is raised seems most practical.

The best fit will be a subjective choice that will not be testable until a reasonable amount of time passes to fairly gauge the effectiveness of the new top bench boss.

 

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Classic Post - Martin Brodeur - NHL Legend: Interview



I spoke with New Jersey Devils' goaltender Martin Brodeur after his team defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 on April 18, 2013. 

Brodeur won his first National Hockey League game on March 26, 1992, when the Devils defeated the Boston Bruins 4-2. He initially wore number 29, before switching to his trademark number 30. During the past two-plus decades this 1990 first round draft choice (twentieth overall) recorded 121 shutouts, scored three goals, reached numerous other high marks and has redefined the art of goaltending. 

I've learned through the years that individuals who achieve and then maintain greatness in any field share common character traits. With that subjective point in mind, it was reaffirming to hear what this high-achiever had to say. 

Marty

Brodeur replied to my question about the elements that create a shutout in very telling form:

“It's a team game. That's the bottom line. If you don't have a team that's committed to play a certain way in front of you, you're not getting shutouts. You can't do it by yourself.

“Once in awhile you can stand on your head. But, I think when you get a bulk of as many as I've gotten through the years, it's the commitment of the team.

“When it's 3-0, it's easy to try to get the fourth goal, or to win 3-1. Who cares? 

"But, when you take pride and people want your goalie to have them (shutouts), it's a big difference,” Brodeur said.

The affable legend is set to turn 41 on May 6. As he plays out the final games on his current contract (that runs through 2013-14), this 20-season veteran has the clearest understanding of what the Devils-Flyers' rivalry means.

“Oh yes, it's great. We have a couple teams, especially in the area because there are so many teams around. I'm sure the Flyers will tell you the same.

“The Rangers-Flyers and a little bit of the Islanders. I'm sure it's going to grow in the next few years because they (the Islanders) are getting better and better.

“But, for us to come into this building, it's always a fun game,” Brodeur said.

Digital hockey card

Clicking on the back of this veteran's digital hockey card reveals that he ranks first in NHL history in the following categories:

Games played (1,217). Patrick Roy is second (1,029).
Minutes played (71,609). Roy is second (60,235).
Wins (667). Roy is second (551).
Shots against (30,513). Roy is second (28,353).
Saves (27,853). Roy is second (25,807).
Shutouts (121). Terry Sawchuk is second (103).
Playoff shutouts (24). Roy is second (23).

Someone who won the Calder Cup, five Jennings trophies, four Vezina trophies, three Stanley Cups, has a .913 career save percentage and a 2.23 career GAA will obviously be inducted into the Hall of Fame. 

Any reasonable debate about the greatest goaltenders of all-time, using any criterion, should always include this Quebec native's name.

(Martin Brodeur photo credit - Sean O'Brien)

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB and on Facebook.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Interviews: Broadcasters, Actors, Models and More



Making connections with interesting people can happen by chance, but that's not what happened with each of the people whose stories are shown below. Read between the lines of each person's interview to learn more about their lives and how you can develop worthwhile social links of your own.


Interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Fox Television's Erin Como Reveals Her Timeless Model for Success: Interview


Interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Allison Baver: US Olympian Facing Every Challenge
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I intentionally used Amazon.com to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff  because that platform is the number 1 eBook publishing site in the world. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my Rant Sports Author Pagemy Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

The Number 1 Book Publishing Site in the World



I intentionally used Amazon.com to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff  because that platform is the number 1 eBook publishing site in the world. 
(Book cover image courtesy of Sean O'Brien.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Making Connections

Many people have asked me over the years how I've gotten to meet and interview athletes, actors, models and other public figures. 

These connections happened because a relationship was developed ahead of time. 

Regarding sports: Connections need to be developed and maintained with teams. Through that, access to personnel and players becomes possible. 

In terms of the entertainment industry: Your personality, social media reach and established credibility help to create your credentials and provides a platform to help promote interesting personal stories.

Relentless persistence is a term that I've used before in my blog Insight. What that means is this: I never stop exploring new avenues. And by that I mean both personally and professionally.

Of course, all efforts don't pan out. But, some do and that's the point. 

So, I ask other people who want to make connections: 

*What have you done in the past to pursue your goals? (That establishes a framework for me to understand where the person has been.)

*What are you doing today? (Current efforts, projects, etc.)

What are your plans for the future? (Definable goals.)

Consider what I've said above and then click on any of the links below. You will learn more when you read what has been written and when you read between the lines.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...

Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Allison Baver: US Olympian Facing Every Challenge

Interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my Rant Sports Author Pagemy Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Bullying: Series Issues - Sound Responses



My series on bullying was one of the more popular set of posts in "Insight" history. I hope that it continues to serve as a starting point in an ongoing digital conversation among parents, fellow teachers, school staff, students and all other concerned citizens in our society.

The entire feature is being presented again in chronological order today for your convenience. 


Bullying: Part 1 

Bullying has always existed. The convergence of many events, including the modern family structure, the litigious land we live in, a focus on personal feelings, desensitized developing brains, a perception that there are no consequences in life, in addition to other factors, are linked to the issue that is known as bullying.

Let me be clear: Anyone (child, or adult) who threatens violence against another human being is guilty of “bullying” that person. Anyone who joins with others to do the same has participated in group bullying behavior. Obviously, committing an act of violence against another person is a crime (to varying degrees under the law).

Bullying can be delivered in-person, or through a virtual world.

All of these incidents must be prevented (if possible), stopped during the process, or resolved.

I have a zero-tolerance policy in my classroom in this regard for all legitimate bullying issues. And legitimate is the key subjective word to keep in mind. More will be offered about this important topic within this digital space tomorrow.

Bullying: Part 2

There are many children who are being (or have been) conditioned to become overly sensitive. Parents/family members/guardians, etc. who don't have adequate parenting skills (or who are honestly developing these skills) and educators who are encouraging children to become professional “tattletales” are adding to the confusion that surrounds this issue.

I completely understand and value the intent of the authority figures who I've just mentioned. Their feelings are genuine. But, these individuals are clearly in the early stages of forming their thoughts and resultant reactions regarding this developing social issue.

Serious problems must be recognized and dealt with. Ignoring bullying reports is negligent and shouldn't be tolerated. But, honest problems are undercut whenever people inadvertently (or intentionally) make thin, or false claims. This aspect of the bullying issue can't be denied and represents one of the more challenging aspects to an already complex topic.  

Time will be needed before our society can come to grips with what has come to be referred to as "bullying". Everyone who cares about solutions and honesty will remain open-minded and flexible as they  relentlessly pursue justice for true victims and don't back down from those occasions where education about this issue is warranted.  


Bulling: Responses and Solutions - Part 1

1. Listen to what people are saying

Never disregard what anyone (child, or adult) reports about this topic. If someone says that bullying has taken place, pass no initial judgments. Yes, you will have to make some type of decision in these instance. But, initially you need to be compassionate and start to gather facts.

2. Ask, but don't interrogate

It's very challenging to be the victim of bullying and then have to prove it through verbal explanations. No one is capable of being objective about himself, or herself, which can make relaying this type of information very hard. 

Be gentle when you ask someone questions about the incident(s). It probably won't be a linear conversation and you need to be prepared for that.

3. Seek outside help in every instance if you are the victim, or if you are the one who is receiving a report about bullying

Victims: Never keep this topic to yourself. Talk to a trusted individual about this matter, or about any other matter that's of importance to you, as soon as possible. You are never alone and defending yourself is your right.

Report Receivers: Don't feel that you must solve the problem on your own. Regardless of your own experience level in handling these issues, asking other people (be they family members, co-workers, etc.) for assistance in responding to these situations is strongly advisable. 


Bulling: Responses and Solutions - Part 2

4. We must try to NEVER undercut this serious issue by falsely labeling all issues as "bullying". 

Confront the "bully" only after hard evidence has been confirmed. Be completely aware of resulting legal consequences if you make the decision to also confront the family/guardian of the "bully" based on thin, or non-existent evidence.

In the United States we are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. Some of the hysteria surrounding this issue labels people as guilty based purely on what someone, or some group of people claim to be true. Issues connected to underdeveloped minds and overly sensitive personalities are being mixed with this issue because many of these situations involve children reporting other children. 

5. Recognize that not all people can be saved and that the human behavior is not something to legislate, or to be forced into becoming whatever your personal ideology makes you believe it should be. 

6. Continue to educate yourself by seeking information from other parents, trusted friends, religious personnel, law enforcement, educators, children and through other legitimate sources of research on this matter. (For example, this blog post doesn't count as a legitimate, or final source of information. It represents my opinion.)

Legitimate sources of information would not be connected to a slanted political view (either left, or right), or one that is favorable to making institutional devices stronger. Legitimate sources will be easily seen as protecting the best interests of all true victims and by not turning innocent parties into villains. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Allison Baver: US Olympian Facing Every Challenge

My interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Fox Television's Erin Como Reveals Her Timeless Model for Success: Interview
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I intentionally used Amazon.com to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff  because that platform is the number 1 eBook publishing site in the world. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my Rant Sports Author Pagemy Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Bullying: Questions and Solutions




My series on bullying was one of the more popular set of posts in "Insight" history. I hope that it continues to serve as a starting point in an ongoing digital conversation among parents, fellow teachers, school staff, students and all other concerned citizens in our society.

The entire feature is being presented again in chronological order today for your convenience. 


Bullying: Part 1 

Bullying has always existed. The convergence of many events, including the modern family structure, the litigious land we live in, a focus on personal feelings, desensitized developing brains, a perception that there are no consequences in life, in addition to other factors, are linked to the issue that is known as bullying.

Let me be clear: Anyone (child, or adult) who threatens violence against another human being is guilty of “bullying” that person. Anyone who joins with others to do the same has participated in group bullying behavior. Obviously, committing an act of violence against another person is a crime (to varying degrees under the law).

Bullying can be delivered in-person, or through a virtual world.

All of these incidents must be prevented (if possible), stopped during the process, or resolved.

I have a zero-tolerance policy in my classroom in this regard for all legitimate bullying issues. And legitimate is the key subjective word to keep in mind. More will be offered about this important topic within this digital space tomorrow.


Bullying: Part 2

There are many children who are being (or have been) conditioned to become overly sensitive. Parents/family members/guardians, etc. who don't have adequate parenting skills (or who are honestly developing these skills) and educators who are encouraging children to become professional “tattletales” are adding to the confusion that surrounds this issue.

I completely understand and value the intent of the authority figures who I've just mentioned. Their feelings are genuine. But, these individuals are clearly in the early stages of forming their thoughts and resultant reactions regarding this developing social issue.

Serious problems must be recognized and dealt with. Ignoring bullying reports is negligent and shouldn't be tolerated. But, honest problems are undercut whenever people inadvertently (or intentionally) make thin, or false claims. This aspect of the bullying issue can't be denied and represents one of the more challenging aspects to an already complex topic.  

Time will be needed before our society can come to grips with what has come to be referred to as "bullying". Everyone who cares about solutions and honesty will remain open-minded and flexible as they  relentlessly pursue justice for true victims and don't back down from those occasions where education about this issue is warranted.  


Bulling: Responses and Solutions - Part 1

1. Listen to what people are saying

Never disregard what anyone (child, or adult) reports about this topic. If someone says that bullying has taken place, pass no initial judgments. Yes, you will have to make some type of decision in these instance. But, initially you need to be compassionate and start to gather facts.

2. Ask, but don't interrogate

It's very challenging to be the victim of bullying and then have to prove it through verbal explanations. No one is capable of being objective about himself, or herself, which can make relaying this type of information very hard. 

Be gentle when you ask someone questions about the incident(s). It probably won't be a linear conversation and you need to be prepared for that.

3. Seek outside help in every instance if you are the victim, or if you are the one who is receiving a report about bullying

Victims: Never keep this topic to yourself. Talk to a trusted individual about this matter, or about any other matter that's of importance to you, as soon as possible. You are never alone and defending yourself is your right.

Report Receivers: Don't feel that you must solve the problem on your own. Regardless of your own experience level in handling these issues, asking other people (be they family members, co-workers, etc.) for assistance in responding to these situations is strongly advisable. 


Bulling: Responses and Solutions - Part 2

4. We must try to NEVER undercut this serious issue by falsely labeling all issues as "bullying". 

Confront the "bully" only after hard evidence has been confirmed. Be completely aware of resulting legal consequences if you make the decision to also confront the family/guardian of the "bully" based on thin, or non-existent evidence.

In the United States we are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. Some of the hysteria surrounding this issue labels people as guilty based purely on what someone, or some group of people claim to be true. Issues connected to underdeveloped minds and overly sensitive personalities are being mixed with this issue because many of these situations involve children reporting other children. 

5. Recognize that not all people can be saved and that the human behavior is not something to legislate, or to be forced into becoming whatever your personal ideology makes you believe it should be. 

6. Continue to educate yourself by seeking information from other parents, trusted friends, religious personnel, law enforcement, educators, children and through other legitimate sources of research on this matter. (For example, this blog post doesn't count as a legitimate, or final source of information. It represents my opinion.)

Legitimate sources of information would not be connected to a slanted political view (either left, or right), or one that is favorable to making institutional devices stronger. Legitimate sources will be easily seen as protecting the best interests of all true victims and by not turning innocent parties into villains. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Allison Baver: US Olympian Facing Every Challenge

My interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Fox Television's Erin Como Reveals Her Timeless Model for Success: Interview
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I intentionally used Amazon.com to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff  because that platform is the number 1 eBook publishing site in the world. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my Rant Sports Author Pagemy Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

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