Over the past couple of years, I've met five children who, at one point, expressed suicidal thoughts because of bullying. All of them were under the age of 10.

Many parents I meet admit that they didn't necessarily recognize the signs at first.

Some symptoms are more obvious, like depression, constant missing or damaged clothes or personal items or unexplained bruises. Those are red flags. If this is the case, get help immediately. There is no choice here.

But there are many signs of being bullied. Here are a few that are easily overlooked, or could be considered typical childhood conduct.

1. Not wanting to go to school
2. Mysterious stomach aches or headaches
3. Not doing well in class
4. Avoiding the bus
5. Bullying others at home
6. General lack of confidence 

Every child is different and these behaviors aren't always because of bullying. So the real question is, "How do you tell the difference?"

If you ask a child directly if they are being bullied, he or she may say no, even if that's not the case. It can be really intimidating for kids to share something so uncomfortable. They may feel ashamed, or as if it's their fault. 

If my child says everything is fine, but something in my heart says it's not, I follow my instinct. I don't make a big deal about it. I just keep an eye on it, and sometimes turn to an advocate for a second opinion.

I don't want my children to feel like they are constantly bugged about the issue. That may make it worse. They may roll their eyes and close up completely. Sometimes what they are dealing with isn't really bullying at all as much as it is what my son calls "kid stuff."

Every once in awhile, I make sure to ask myself, "Am I overreacting?"

Whether your child is being bullied or not, communication is key. Self-esteem starts at home, and confidence could make your child more bully-resistant.

My book series is made up of activities that I used to help me communicate, without senselessly "hovering" over my kids.  

An exercise from I’ve Got A Choice: An activity book for the next generation of great thinkers asks the reader to list the toughest decisions they make and write a sentence or two about it. It's a way to help them open up without forcing them to talk. They also have the choice of drawing, so even if children don't want to put it into words, they can still express themselves. It's like a diary with pictures. Then, if they want, they can share it with you, which I encourage them to do on the front page.

I've had many parents come up to me afterwards, excited to share how easily they learned what their child was thinking. I've also had parents tell me that they do the activities along with their children, which is great as long as your child is open to it.

The objective is to provide a safe way for your kids to share the tough stuff. So even throwing a ball around while you chat can get them to open up. Any kind of activity that allows your child to relax and feel comfortable with you will make a difference.

My family likes to play "Highpoint/Low Point." Not sure where the game originated, but everybody shares the highpoint and low point of their day. It's simple, but valuable. We do that at dinner, or sometimes in the car. When my kids heard that mom and dad also have low points, they became less hesitant to admit to theirs.

If your child is showing signs of being bullied, there are many places you can turn. Don't feel like you have to handle it all on your own. Your school counselors, or your doctor, should also have great resources to help get your family through it. There really is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Until then, just listen, follow your gut, and if you have any questions, I can run them by my clinical and educational consultants to try and provide you with some answers.