Pinto was determined not to let the bullies get the better of her son. She badgered school administrators to confront the abuse. She taught her son strategies to deal with his tormentors. The situation in which Pinto's son found himself is all too familiar. Shootings like the one at Columbine High School are reminders that left unchecked, violent tendencies can lead to violent behavior.
Experts say it takes a lot of love, good role modeling, and empowering kids to be courageous.
It all begins with a foundation of respect and clear limits. Smith says that when young children strike each other, parents sometimes make the mistake of simply telling them not to hit. 2000 Discovery Communications, Inc. That Takes the Nuisance Out of Name Calling and Other Nonsense, teaches kids a verbal martial arts technique that injects a bit of levity into the process of diffusing potentially violent situations. People keep touching my head.