The best outcome for all involved would be to come to a resolution that is mutually satisfactory to all involved in a bullying situation. This can usually be achieved at some point, if all the parties involved remain objective and everyone keeps the best interests of the student in mind. The difficulty lies in the fact that a parent's sole consideration is his child, whereas a principal must deal with hundreds of students and their parents, the teachers, the staff, the department of education, curriculum guidelines, and the list goes on.

It is sometimes hard to see the full picture when all you want is for your child to be safe and feel secure and happy at school. Most educators want this as well. This is a good thing to keep in mind as you go through the complaint process. Most educators and administrators want to resolve the problem at hand; but if that is not possible, it is perfectly acceptable to move up the chain of command.

Word of advice: do this with objectivity and tact. If you conduct yourself in a professional manner, you will receive far greater consideration than if you were to rant and rave, insult and berate.

And if the school offers mediation as a possible solution, be open to it. Know what you want and need the school to do for your child and be prepared to express that clearly. But also be prepared to make a compromise or two in the process.

This is not to say that you need to compromise on the safety or well-being of your child, but if the school asks something from you (outside counseling for your child, you to volunteer in her classroom, etc.), don't automatically refuse; consider meeting the school halfway. Successful resolution is only possible if everyone keeps a clear head and their eye on the best outcome possible — a safe and happy child.