It's true that justice demands that the bully be punished, and that there is no excuse for bullying. Trouble is, that often just creates more animosity and allows the bully to rally support for himself. No, the victim isn't guilty - but a bully's victim can do many things that will help himself avoid future incidents.

A far more workable (and peaceable) solution is to help your child fend for himself in a positive way. If he understands why the bully acts the way he does, that's a good start.

Another thing you can do is encourage your son to make friends, real friends. Many times, kids bend over backwards and make fools of themselves, trying to make friends with the bullies, who are often thought of as the "cool" kids. They're better off trying to make friends with kids who will really like them - if they have real friends to support them, they're much less likely to be bullied.

Your child isn't to blame for being bullied - it's not his fault, and it's just about the most miserable thing that can happen to a child in school. However, there are many peaceable things he can do that will help him take the upper hand. Teach him to make friends and to make peace.

-Joe Offer-