It’s quite normal for children to face verbal or physical aggression from their peers.
They may be insulted, pushed, or hit — behaviors that often occur naturally among children and can’t be completely prevented.
However, what truly matters is how a mother reacts when her child comes home complaining — especially school-age children who may be bullied or physically hurt by classmates.
Many mothers make mistakes when dealing with such situations, often leading to opposite results.
To better understand how to act wisely when your child experiences violence from other children, educational counselor Ala’a Al-Nimr shares essential advice for parents.
1. Listen to Your Child When They Come Home Crying
When your child returns home upset or crying after being hit, patience, calmness, and empathy are your first tools.
Avoid reacting with anger — such incidents are common among children and can be handled calmly.
Let your child tell the story fully, without interruption.
Listening attentively helps them express emotions through words instead of tears.
Don’t finish their sentences or assume details — doing so may lead them to invent or exaggerate events.
Give them space to express what really happened.
2. Check Your Child’s Physical and Emotional Condition
Always make sure your child isn’t seriously injured.
If you notice bruises or small wounds, treat them gently while comforting your child — but avoid overreacting.
Excessive sympathy can reinforce crying as a way to seek attention.
At the same time, never call your child “weak” or “cowardly.”
Instead, tell them they’re brave for telling the truth — because many children fear speaking up when hurt.
Offer emotional reassurance through a gentle hug or by patting their head.
These small gestures build safety and trust, which are crucial for their emotional recovery.
3. Find Out the Real Reason Behind the Incident
Listen carefully to the full story.
Sometimes, the situation might be a misunderstanding during playtime — perhaps another child threw a soft toy or a pillow, and your child perceived it as aggression.
Try to distinguish between playful teasing and intentional harm.
Teach your child emotional regulation — to recognize the difference between friendly play and real aggression.
Encourage them to solve conflicts through words, not violence, because hitting back only fuels more aggression.
Continue to praise your child’s personality, encourage positive friendships, and help them avoid children who exhibit aggressive behavior — often due to emotional distress at home.
4. Make Sure Your Child Didn’t Cause the Problem
Sometimes, your child might unintentionally provoke the situation — for example, through teasing or showing off, which can trigger jealousy.
That’s why it’s essential to raise your child with fairness and equality at home, especially among siblings, to prevent rivalry or resentment.
If your child feels unsupported or constantly blamed, they may develop a weak personality and become easy targets for aggression.
Show them that you stand by their side and will always listen — this emotional security builds confidence and teaches them to set boundaries.
5. Teach Your Child to Respond with Dignity
It’s vital to teach your child what educators call “social response skills.”
They should learn to stand up for themselves without resorting to violence.
Avoid teaching them the common phrase, “Hit back if someone hits you.”
This approach only normalizes aggression.
Instead, encourage your child to:
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Seek help from a responsible adult or teacher when facing danger.
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Use calm but firm words to express boundaries.
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Walk away from escalating conflicts whenever possible.
This not only keeps them safe but also teaches self-respect and emotional intelligence — key traits in handling school bullying.
6. Enroll Your Child in Self-Defense or Sports Activities
Physical confidence plays a big role in preventing victimization.
Encourage your child to engage in sports or martial arts from an early age.
Children who develop coordination, discipline, and self-defense skills are more likely to feel secure and less likely to use aggression as a solution.
Teach them:
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To protect their body boundaries and avoid physical touch from others.
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To stay away from children who display habitual aggression — such as biting, hair-pulling, or hitting — without confronting them harshly.
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That self-control is strength, and walking away from conflict is often braver than fighting back.
In Conclusion
Conflicts among children are normal and can’t always be avoided.
But through wise parental guidance, children can learn emotional intelligence, resilience, and respectful assertiveness.
A mother’s role is not to prevent every blow, but to equip her child with the skills, confidence, and compassion to handle life’s bumps — both physical and emotional — with strength and dignity.
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