In theory, that’s ideal. That said, bullies are often the children of bullies. Their parents aren’t teaching them not to, they’re teaching them how to.

Which leaves us back at learning how to deal with them.

Personally, I told my kid that she’d be in trouble if I ever found out she was picking on other kids and animals BUT she wouldn’t be if she defended herself or someone else from a bully. She still had to take whatever discipline the school dished out but sometimes it’s worth it. I told her all bullies are cowards. I prefer nonviolent approaches but sometimes, you’ve got to go there.

We practiced nonviolent techniques, sarcasm, sassing, dodging, situational awareness, and throwing a punch.

Every grade had a bully. Every playground had an older kid picking on the younger ones. The Urchling got a rep both as a peacemaker (the teachers) and somebody you don’t want to mess with (the other kids). She’s a girl and was always amongst the smallest in her class. She never hit anybody but she did put two boys on the ground for punching other kids and (literally) ran down a 6th grade girl who was picking on younger kids at 7 or 8.

At this point she’s pretty much an expert on psychological torture. I look forward to her first boyfriend. 😈