The minute parents step into the picture, it becomes an adult situation. However, if the children cannot cope even after being left to their own devices, then parents should steer them towards playmates of a similar temperament. Children are more likely to learn from playmates of a similar temperament. If parents of a docile child push her to be more aggressive or gregarious, they are merely giving her the message that they do not approve of her the way she is. Parents of aggressive children will find that when such children are thrown together with other aggressors, they are likely to become bosom buddies as aggression on both sides somehow balances out.
Bullies are insecure children who combat their insecurity through aggression.
Bullying behaviour tend to fall into a vicious circle. Children distance themselves from bullies and as the bullies are more and more isolated, their insecurity increases and so do their bullying tactics in an attempt to hide their vulnerability. Parents of bullies should try to bolster their self-image, but at the same time they should make it clear that bullying behaviour is unacceptable. They should try to make their children understand that often children tease each other in an attempt to get to know each other better and that if one can take some ribbing and teasing sportingly, one is likely to make a great deal of friends. Healthy interaction equals healthy development Parents should ideally leave their children to find their own feet.