It is can be very painful to see your child being bullied by other kids but it is no better a feeling when your child is the bully. It is very difficult for parents to see their child fighting, especially with peers. The worst part is when they get violent and things blow out of proportions. However, it is not absolutely unnatural for kids to fight as at this age they are very territorial in nature and their aggressive intents are yet to be tamed or socialized. This is the reason why kids at times strike out.

Even if the child is not a bully, parents must respond as at this age children experiment and learn what works and what doesn’t. So, it becomes very important to let them grow and experiment, but under constant monitoring. It isn’t that a child that is a bully likes doing it, but it is just a way of having getting things done or resolving a conflict.

It is important for parent to teach their child how to handle conflict, rather them punishing him/her for fighting. It is more about helping them understand why not to fight then telling them not to fight. Bullies often are subjected to punishments and this makes them feel like outcasts and the only way out is fighting.

At this age children tend to give out and get aggressive, but parents have to be careful that this doesn’t become a habit with them. They need to be nurtured and taught and not punished.

This kind of child usually reacts to bully by crying, withdrawing and acting out. This kind of bully activity may make the child avoid going to school and poorer in performance. Gradually, this kind of children starts developing depression, low self worth, insecurity and low self-esteem.

This kind of child does not confide and express his or her grief against bully act to anyone. They start fearing other kids. This kind of child starts getting psychologically disturbed.

This kind of child lacks his or her confidence, which reflects from the grades of the school. Victim of bully start developing school avoidance behavior and start complaining many non-specific health problems like stomachaches, headaches etc. in order to avoid school. Child often develops sleeping disorder.

There are few tips, which can prevent your child form being victim of bullies:

• Educate your child how to handle this kind of situation beforehand.
• Be friendly with your child so that he/she can share his/her problem with you.
• Sometimes talk to the school authorities, if required.
• Attain every parent/ teacher meeting by taking out some time. This will help you to gauge your child’s performance in school and within the peer group.