Signs your kid is a bully: How to stop your child from bullying others

Bullying has many different forms, including verbal (threats or name-calling), emotional, and physical (pushing, punching, or hitting) (spreading rumors or excluding someone from a conversation or activity). Physical complaints like stomachaches, headaches as well as worries and fears, and a child not wanting to go to school are all common signs of bullying.

The first step in bullying prevention is to be aware of some of the warning signs that your child shows in being a bully. Here are a few things to look out for:

1. Constant desire to dominate and control others.
2. Aggressive behavior towards parents, teachers, and other adults
3. Get frustrated easily
4. Impulsive behavior
5. Engages in physical or verbal conflict
6. Has no empathy for others.

Begin with an open conversation in which you ask them why they are doing what they are doing. Some children bully when they are angry, upset, or trying to deal with a difficult situation. Knowing why they are bullying can help you deal with underlying issues you may not have been aware of.

“We've all heard that children learn by watching their parents. Positive social behaviors that demonstrate respect for others and their feelings should be modeled. Assist your child in developing conflict resolution skills that do not involve bullying,” says Devina Kaur, inspirational speaker, author and radio host.

Some children bully others because they are oblivious to their own emotions. Try to teach your child about how others feel and how their actions do not promote positive feelings.

Try to know your child by asking him what happened, trying to understand why the behavior occurred. Try to come up with alternative solutions to situational problems and have your child imagine being the victim.