Actually my 5 year old daughter is getting a little bullied - I asked the audzinātaja to keep an eye out, and I am ready to confront the parents, too. If she was to decide to hit back, I personally would have no problem with it - she would merely be standing up for herself. Regarding boys, a friend of mine was very grateful to me because I taught her son to punch, and, as a result of standing up for himself he freed himself of a bully. I had the same problem at school. I was a late developer and was often bullied as a result (easy target). I took up martial arts and after showing that I could defend myself, I was left alone. School, consequently, was less stressful. My daughters will learn how to defend themselves - no question about it.