The Charlotte Observer – Danielle Braff 
Defending your child against all the bullies may feel like the most natural part of being a parent, but parenting experts warn that fighting your child’s battles may turn your kid into an easy target. First, there was the crazy kid who argued with your precious dumpling at the playground. So you swooped in and grabbed your little bundle. And then there was the mean girl who teased your little one about her new princess lunchbox because princesses, apparently, are for babies. That warranted a call to the teacher because of the bullying incident. Finally, your child got picked on for knowing all the answers in science class. You scheduled a meeting with the principal because smart kids should be applauded, not teased.(more)