[user104658]

Originally Posted by kirklancaster

Is this apart from the bullies who are intrinsically more aggressive, less disciplined and physically bigger and stronger who are able to hit with sticks because they have no internal moral compass which determines such conduct is wrong, do not respect any external rules which decree it is wrong, and do not fear any punishment for breaking such rules because they are soft and impotent?

You don't instill a moral compass in someone by hitting them .

I actually once saw a woman at soft play, smack her child and at the same time shout "don't hit!!" at him. I mean just... What? If you were ever looking to confuse a 5 year old, there's one way to do it.

Every bully I've ever encountered is a bully because they are seeking to feel powerful. These kids are seeking to feel powerful because they feel powerless at home. It's more or less that simple. If you respect your children as individuals and talk to them as equals then they will behave respectfully to others... It's more or less that simple. Treating like an equal does not mean pandering to or spoiling... It means exactly what it means. I talk to my 5 year old in exactly the same way I talk to any adult.